The Iconic But Off-Putting Chicago Liquor Only The Bravest Tourists Should Take A Shot Of

When it comes to food and drink in Chicago, we might think of pork chop sandwiches, Italian beef, lollipop chicken wings, Chicago-style hotdogs (don't even think about adding ketchup), and, of course, the controversial deep-dish pizza. You'll need something to wash it all down, but you're in luck. The Windy City is famous for its outstanding beer culture and claims the Old-Fashioned as its most famous contribution to the cocktail menu. Chicagoans are justly proud of all these things, but they also stand fiercely behind one iconic liquor that, per its website, has been "weeding out the weak since 1933." That's right; only the bravest tourists need apply when it comes to adding Jeppson's Malört to their Chicago Bucket List, regularly ranked as one of the worst alcoholic beverages in the world.

Drinking with locals is always an adventure when traveling, especially when newfound friends can't wait to show you their favorite bar and order a round of obscure spirits that are an acquired taste for visitors. In Chicago, regulars are proud of their lively nightlife scene, and it usually won't take long before someone suggests Malört, often paired with a beloved Old Style lager for what is known as a "Chicago Handshake." The notorious digestif inspires a peculiar sense of pride, bravado, and loyalty among its fans, but it tastes absolutely gross for most people who have never had the dubious pleasure before. Here's what you need to know before throwing back a shot.

Malört is the Swedish word for wormwood, a herb better known for giving absinthe its distinctive taste. It is also the main flavoring agent of the infamous Jeppson's Malört (hence the name), a staple of Chicago's drinking culture for almost a century. It was invented by Carl Jeppson, a Swedish immigrant who arrived in the city in the 1880s. The enterprising cigar shop-owner created his own version of his home country's traditional digestif and skirted laws during the Prohibition Era by selling it to businesses and individuals as a medicinal remedy, as wormwood is supposedly good for eradicating parasites in the stomach. Legend has it that he convinced inquiring cops that the liquor wasn't for pleasurable purposes by offering them a shot; one taste was enough for them to wave him on his way.

Once that period of enforced abstinence was over, Jeppson's Malört was able to move into full production with the iconic yellow label containing the city's crest that we know today. The recipe changed hands over the years, and production moved to Florida and back, but Malört has since emerged from the relative obscurity of dive bars to the drinks menu of swanky restaurants and has become an alternative ingredient for innovative mixologists. With the growth of social media, the liquor's reputation has spread globally and driven sales outside of Chicago. Now, you can even order it online along with a variety of Malört merch.

The Malört website describes the flavor as "characterized by its bitter notes and unique herbal blend," which "appeals to those seeking bold and challenging experiences." It is said that Carl Jeppson smoked cigars constantly, ruining his palate, and brewed his original Malört strong enough so that even he could taste it. This powerful kick is what intrepid first-time drinkers experience today before the aftertaste sets in, which is generally what most imbibers find the most repugnant aspect of the liqueur.

Perhaps no other alcoholic beverage in humanity's long and chequered history with booze has provoked such a wide and colorful range of reactions from its victims. Opinions offered by Chicago Sun-Times readers range from the Bukowski-esque: "Gasoline on the rocks with a twist of regret" and "like crying alone in a bathroom stall" to the imaginatively descriptive: "Lysol disinfectant blended with hops and bug spray" and "Rotten grapefruit rubbed in motor oil."

Often regarded as a rite of passage, Jeppson's Malört is an acquired taste, like Unicum in Hungary, that people discover, drink as a challenge, and then can't wait to share with their friends. Some Chicagoans even claim to enjoy Malört, so don't sleep on trying it out on your trip to the city. Love it or hate it, taking a shot is definitely something worth adding to your list of alcohol anecdotes.