Malört is not your typical liquor—its bold, intensely bitter taste sets it apart from other spirits, making it a unique choice for adventurous drinkers who appreciate complex and challenging flavors. Unlike traditional liquors that prioritize smoothness or sweetness, Malört embraces an intense, almost medicinal bitterness that lingers long after each sip.
This distinctive taste is derived from wormwood, a botanical ingredient known for its sharp and earthy profile. Malört originated in Sweden and was later popularized in Chicago, where it developed a cult following. Classified as a bäsk, a type of Scandinavian wormwood-infused liquor, Malört has become a staple in the Chicago drinking scene, often regarded as a rite of passage for those willing to test their palate. Its taste profile has been described as dry, herbal, and unapologetically bitter, making it a polarizing spirit—some people love it, while others struggle to finish their first sip.
However, this strong personality is precisely what has contributed to Malört’s growing popularity, as more and more drinkers seek out spirits that offer a distinctive and memorable experience. But beyond its bold flavor, a crucial question for drinkers is: what is the Malört alcohol content, and how does it compare to other liquors?
Malört derives its distinctive bitterness from wormwood, a botanical ingredient known for its sharp, earthy taste. Wormwood has historically been used in various spirits, including absinthe, and is famous for its strong herbal notes. While most liquors focus on sweetness or smoothness, Malört embraces its bold, bitter edge, making it a favorite for those who enjoy complex and intense flavors.
Many first-time Malört drinkers describe the experience as an acquired taste—initially shocking but eventually appreciated by those who enjoy robust, dry, and herbaceous spirits. The Malört alcohol content plays a role in enhancing these flavors, as the spirit’s strength ensures that the bitterness lingers on the palate long after consumption.
Comparing Malört to Other Spirits
While Malört alcohol content (35% ABV) is within the typical range for distilled spirits, its impact feels stronger due to its taste. Here’s how Malört compares to other popular liquors:
Despite being lower in alcohol than absinthe, Malört has a comparably strong herbal bitterness that lingers longer than most spirits, giving it a reputation as a challenging but rewarding drink.
As a Shot
One of the most popular ways to drink Malört is as a shot. Many bars, particularly in Chicago, serve Malört as a rite of passage for those willing to embrace its bitterness. The lingering aftertaste is what defines the Malört experience, often leading to amusing facial expressions and reactions from first-time drinkers.
In Cocktails
While Malört is often consumed straight, it also serves as an interesting ingredient in craft cocktails. Its bitterness can complement citrus flavors and sweet ingredients, balancing out sugary or fruity profiles. Some popular Malört-based cocktails include:
A classic Chicago tradition pairs a shot of Malört with a beer, often a cheap lager. Known as the “Chicago Handshake,” this combination allows the beer to help mellow out the lingering bitterness of Malört, making it a go-to choice for locals.
Where to Buy Malört
As Malört continues to grow in popularity, it is becoming more widely available in liquor stores and online. While it was once difficult to find outside of Chicago, many specialty liquor shops and online retailers now stock Malört for those eager to try its legendary bitterness.
At AlcoholVolume.com, we provide detailed insights into the alcohol content, taste profiles, and history of various liquors, including Malört. Whether you’re curious to try Malört for the first time or looking for cocktail ideas, understanding its alcohol content and flavor profile will enhance your drinking experience.
Malört has an alcohol content of 35% ABV, which is similar to whiskey, rum, and tequila.
Malört is commonly taken as a shot, used in cocktails, or paired with beer in a classic Chicago tradition known as the "Chicago Handshake."
Malört has a strong, bitter, and herbal taste due to its high wormwood content. The flavor lingers on the palate, making it an acquired taste for many drinkers.