What Is Malört—and Why Were Governors Doing Shots of It at the DNC?

When Chicago’s population swelled by tens of thousands last month for the DNC Convention, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker declared Jeppson’s Malört the unofficial drink of the four-day event. Sharing shots of the ultra-bitter liqueur with fellow governors elicited varied reactions.

“Malört is a lot like Chicago itself—misunderstood, sometimes a little prickly, but ultimately a unique and delicious part of history,” Pritzker tells Wine Enthusiast. “I loved sharing it with DNC visitors and plan on continuing to proselytize for it as long as I’m governor and beyond.”

Here’s everything to know about this divisive spirit.

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