Jeppson’s Malört is a spirit that doesn’t just walk into a bar—it kicks the door open and dares you to stay. Famously bitter, distinctly herbal, and rooted in Chicago’s drinking DNA, Malört is polarizing by design. Originally created by Swedish immigrant Carl Jeppson as a medicinal wormwood schnapps, it earned a cult following among bartenders and bold drinkers who appreciate its bracing, almost defiant character. But beyond the meme-worthy reactions and one-shot challenges, a quiet cocktail revolution is taking shape—one that treats Malört not as a punishment, but as a creative ingredient.

If you’re ready to move beyond the shock value and into the realm of balanced, thoughtfully layered drinks, these Malört-forward cocktails are a masterclass in contrast and complexity.

1. Exit Club Cocktail

This cocktail reimagines the Poet’s Dream by balancing floral gin with fortified wine and the herbal bitterness of Malört. The Cocchi and vermouth soften the harsher notes while the bitters and orange peel round it out aromatically. It’s a drink with backbone—sharp, layered, and a little punk, much like the Chicago club it was named after.

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz Dry Gin (Beefeater recommended)

½ oz Cocchi Americano (or Lillet Blanc)

½ oz Blanc Vermouth (such as Dolin)

½ oz Jeppson’s Malört

2 dashes Orange Bitters (Angostura)

Method:
Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Source: Cocktail Virgin

2. Chicago Underground

If Malört is aggressive, Fernet is its bitter sibling. Together, they make a bold statement—tempered only by lime’s brightness and the softening touch of simple syrup. It’s herbaceous, minty, and lingering. Not for everyone, but for the adventurous, this one goes deep.

Ingredients:

¾ oz Jeppson’s Malört

¾ oz Fernet Branca

¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice

¾ oz Simple Syrup

Method:
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe.

Source: Reddit

3. The Swedish Seed

Created by bartender Dan Rook, this cocktail pairs Malört with the earthy sweetness of Root and a deep, spiced syrup. The egg white gives it texture, and bitters add warmth. This is perhaps the most crowd-friendly way to experience Malört—it’s smooth, flavorful, and unexpectedly elegant.

Ingredients:

1 oz Jeppson’s Malört

1 oz Root Liqueur

¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice

1 ½ oz Spiced Brown Sugar Honey Syrup

1 Egg White

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Method:
Dry shake egg white, Malört, and Root liqueur first. Add lemon juice, syrup, bitters, and ice. Shake well and strain into a coupe glass.

Source: WTTW

4. Northern Lights

This drink takes inspiration from tiki classics like the Port Light, replacing whiskey with Malört for an unexpected twist. The passion fruit and honey tame the bitterness, while lemon and egg white bring a light, frothy texture. The result? A drink that looks playful but finishes with complexity.

Ingredients:

2 oz Jeppson’s Malört (or 1 oz Malört + 1 oz Bourbon for balance)

¾ oz Lemon Juice

½ oz Passion Fruit Syrup

½ oz Honey Syrup

1 Egg White

Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Method:
Dry shake all ingredients (no ice) to emulsify the egg white. Then shake again with ice. Strain into a double old fashioned glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with mint.

Source: Cocktail Virgin

5. Malört Highball

This is Malört on vacation. The tequila and citrus offer warmth and acidity, while ginger beer keeps it bubbly and fun. The Malört sneaks in with an herbal kick that lingers just enough to keep things interesting.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Tequila

0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

0.75 oz Orange Juice

0.5 oz Jeppson’s Malört

2 oz Ginger Beer

Method:
Shake all ingredients except the ginger beer with ice. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer and give a gentle stir.

Source: Lit City Blues

Malört will likely never be a universal favorite—and that’s exactly the point. It’s a spirit that demands attention, sparks conversation, and rewards the adventurous. These cocktails don’t try to hide its bitterness; they build with it, finding moments of beauty in the bold. So the next time you see a bottle of Malört behind the bar, don’t flinch. Order something weird. Taste something wild. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll see what all the fuss is about.

Header Image: Axios