In any Italian drinking establishment, you're bound to see bottles of red, green, black, and white sambuca behind the bar. A neutral grain alcohol infused with star anise, sugar, and elderberry essential oils, sambuca is commonly served straight up with three coffee beans floating atop the shot. Far from being a simple garnish, the beans have additional significance. 

The number three is very important for a multitude of reasons. In Christianity, it represents the Trinity between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As Italy is a very Christian nation, the three coffee beans in sambuca could be representative of the nation's pride in its religion.