Malört

Malört, formally Jeppson's Malört, is an American wormwood-flavoured liqueur associated with Chicago and Swedish drinking traditions.

Malört, formally Jeppson's Malört, is an American wormwood-flavoured liqueur associated with Chicago and Swedish drinking traditions. It is best known for its intensely bitter taste and for its reputation as a local rite-of-passage drink.

History

Jeppson's Malört was introduced in Chicago in the early 20th century and became a long-running regional spirit associated with Swedish-American drinking culture. Sources differ slightly on whether it dates to the 1880s, early 1900s, or 1930s as a formal product, but they agree that Carl Jeppson was the immigrant founder linked to its Chicago origin.

Flavour and ingredients

Malört is a bitter liqueur made with wormwood and neutral spirits, and is commonly compared to Scandinavian bäsk or other bitter digestifs. Descriptions of its taste emphasize intense bitterness, herbal notes, and a famously harsh aftertaste.

Cultural reputation

In Chicago, Malört became known as an initiation shot, a hangover remedy, and a drink people try for novelty or bragging rights. Its notoriety has also helped it become a regional cultural icon and a recurring subject in food and drink media.

Modern production

The brand is now produced by CH Distillery, and it has gained a wider following in recent years through media attention and social-media-driven curiosity. Some newer variants, such as barrel-aged versions, have been introduced to broaden its appeal.