Bizarre Malört World Record Attempt Coming to Chicago

Chicago is about to attempt a bizarre new world record involving Malört, thousands of people, and one very questionable shot.

Illinois' Most Infamous Liquor

Have you tried Malört before? I have, and once was enough.

For those who have never experienced it, Malört is a Chicago-famous, wormwood-based liquor with a reputation for being unbelievably bitter.

Personally, I think the word "bitter" doesn't quite capture the experience of Malört. When you first take a shot of it, you won't think it's that bad for like a second...then it really hits your taste buds and you'll instantly regret your decision to try it.

Some people say it takes like vomit. To me, it takes like I just took a big lick of a full ash tray.

In my family, however, Malört is a rite of passage. Whenever someone visits our family cabin for the first time, they have to take a Malört initiation shot. There's no escaping or talking your way out of it. You must take the shot before the lake fun can begin.

Now, Chicago is starting a new Malört tradition of their own, and it's all for a good cause.

Malört World Record Attempt

On Sunday, August 30, 2026, Jeppson's Malört is hosting the "Malört World Record: Bad Decision for a Good Cause" at Recess, located at 838 W. Kinzie St. in Chicago.

The goal of this event is simple: to set a world record for the largest number of people taking a shot of Malört simultaneously.

During this event, Malört will donate $10 for every ticket sold to Ravenswood Community Services, which is a nonprofit that provides food, housing and other supportive services to Chicagoans facing hunger and homelessness.

If you can't (or don't want to) be there in person to participate, you can still buy a ticket to watch the livestream of the world record attempt at 7:30 p.m. on August 30 from home. (The looks on people's faces after downing the shot will be well worth the ticket price, LOL!)

Click here for more information about tickets to the 2026 Malört World Record event in Chicago, and here's hoping your taste buds survive!