Malort showed up at the DNC—here’s where to get Chicago’s divisive liqueur in Tampa Bay

The Democratic National Convention in Chicago has officially ended, and while there are infinitely more important takeaways from the four-day affair, one particularly entertaining aspect for those in the know was the presence of what is arguably the most divisive spirit imaginable, Jeppson’s Malort.

Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker actually deemed it the unofficial shot of the DNC, and there’s even video of government officials at the event giving it their best shot.

If you’ve haven’t had a visceral gag reaction from past experience, keep reading.

What is Malort? Technically speaking, it’s an herbal liqueur that contains wormwood and is similar to absinthe. It doesn’t share the hallucinogenic properties, though you may question some life decisions after trying it.

Malort’s flavor is often described as a mix of diesel fuel, grass clippings, cigarettes, and even burnt tires, so why would anyone drink it?

There’s no right answer to that question. Either you like it or you’d sooner eat off the floor of a gas station—but here’s a quick history to explain how the world was introduced to this formidable potion.

The original recipe for Malort was brought to Chicago by Swedish emigrant Carl Jeppson during the Prohibition era, specifically in 1933, according to the brand’s official website. Jeppson skirted the law by initially selling his concoction as a sort of medicinal elixir to rid the body of parasites; folklore says police let him slide after trying it and believing nobody would drink it for pleasure.

Once Prohibition was lifted, official production of Malort began. Labels commemorating the stars on Chicago’s flag were created, and tastebuds across the country were forever changed. Interestingly enough, the production of Malort was moved from Chicago to Florida in the late-’80s for roughly 30 years before returning back to Chicago in 2019. So we’re kind of responsible, y’all.

Malort’s PR team, knowing the general public’s opinion of the liqueur, crafted a reverse marketing campaign that openly mocks and even antagonizes those that choose to drink it. Slogans such as “Tonight’s the night you fight your Dad,” or “When you want to unfriend someone in person” have made the Malort brand a viral sensation, for better or worse. A simple Google search of “Malort face” brings up countless images of the moment after people try it for the first time, with most of the reactions being less than savory.

Here are six spots in Tampa Bay that have chosen to keep Malort in circulation. Unfriend yourself at your own risk.

Get your “I Malorted” sticker when you’re done doing the civic duty.