Chicago's Malört Lovers Attempt World Record for Charity

Chicago is taking its love for the world's most divisive liquor and turning it into something beautiful.

On August 30, Jeppson's Malört is bringing together hundreds of brave souls at Recess in West Loop to attempt a world record: the most people taking a shot of Malört simultaneously. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with the big moment happening at 7:30 p.m.

For those unfamiliar, Malört is a bitter wormwood-based liquor that's been part of Chicago's identity for nearly a century. Swedish immigrant Carl Jeppson created it as a medicinal drink during Prohibition in the 1930s, and it's been dividing taste buds ever since.

The flavor has been compared to everything from sweaty gym socks to gasoline, but Chicagoans have embraced it as a shared experience. After traveling to Kentucky and Florida for production, Malört finally came home in 2018 when CH Distillery brought it back to Chicago.

Now the polarizing spirit is doing something genuinely positive. Proceeds from the "Bad Decision for a Good Cause" event will benefit Ravenswood Community Services, which provides groceries and meals to residents in Ravenswood and Uptown.

Jeppson's Malört will donate $10 to the organization for every ticket sold. Tickets are just $12 and include entrance plus one shot for the record attempt (non-participant tickets are available for those who want to watch without drinking).

The Ripple Effect

Tremaine Atkinson, CEO of CH Distillery, captured the spirit perfectly: "Malört brings people together for the shared experience of a questionable choice. This event is the perfect way to gather and give back to a great cause while we're at it."

The event features live entertainment, giveaways, food specials, and commemorative merchandise. What started as a joke about Chicago's toughest drink has become a creative way to support neighbors facing food insecurity.

Sometimes the best community moments come from the most unexpected places, even if they taste terrible going down.