Aug. 10, 2022

Let Me See Your Malört Face with Jeffrey Damnit

Let Me See Your Malört Face with Jeffrey Damnit

This week we are joined by Chicago native Jeffrey Damnit (@jeffreydamnit) to discuss the homegrown liqueur that they love to hate - Jeppson's Malört! We talk about the history of Jeppson's, what a Malört is to begin with, and disagree profusely about whether or not Jeppson's is as bad as everyone says. 


Cocktails discussed:

Point du Sable

2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

1 oz. Lillet Blanc

1 oz. Jeppson's Malort

4 dashes Angostura bitters

Chilled sparkling water

Based on the Mai by Rebekah Peppler, as published in Apéritif


Build all ingredients except for the sparkling water in a highball glass over ice. Briefly stir to combine, and top with the sparkling water. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve with a sustainable straw. 


Tears and Runny Mascara

2 oz. Fred Jerbis Gin

3/4 oz. dry vermouth

1/2 oz. Letherbee Bësk

1/4 oz. Tempus Fugit Créme de Violette

Lemon twist


Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled, about 25 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe and serve with a lemon twist. 


Further Reading:

Malört: Chicago's Favorite Bitter Liqueur - https://www.seriouseats.com/what-is-malort-bitter-liqueur-digestif-chicago-history-jeppsons-letherbee-bittermens

What does Malört taste like? Sun-Times readers weigh in - https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment-and-culture/2021/8/25/22641237/what-does-malort-taste-like-chicago-liquor

Bësk - Letherbee - https://www.letherbee.com/products