West Loop – On Sunday evening, Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood became the stage for a uniquely Chicago‑style record attempt. Over 1,000 residents bought tickets to drink a shot of the city’s infamous wormwood‑flavored liqueur, Malört, at the same moment. The event, held at Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.), was organized by Everleigh Entertainment in partnership with Jeppson’s Malört.
Record‑Setting Goal and Community Benefit
The organizers called the gathering the “Bad Decision for a Good Cause.” Each ticket sold contributed $10 to Ravenswood Community Services, a local nonprofit that supports families in the Ravenswood area. Tickets sold out before the doors opened at 5 p.m., and a free livestream was provided for those who could not attend in person.
From Idea to Record Attempt
Franky Everleigh, director of Everleigh Entertainment, explained that the concept originated a year ago after a small Midwest festival where attendees tried Malört for the first time. “We had about 100 people, and the idea of setting a world record was born,” Everleigh said. The vision grew into a city‑wide celebration that attracted participants from across the country, including bars in California and Maryland that hosted simultaneous toast‑ins.
Costumes, Cheers and a Governor’s Appearance
Attendees arrived dressed in elaborate Malört‑themed attire – from bottle‑shaped hats to shirts emblazoned with the liqueur’s logo. Chicagoan Lisa Golbeck sported a Malört T‑shirt and matching eyeliner, declaring, “We came because we love Malört! It’s for a good cause.” Blake Nagel arrived as “Malört Man,” a costume he first wore with his wife for a 2018 “Chicago Handshake” – a shot of Malört followed by an Old Style beer.
Governor J.B. Pritzker made a surprise appearance, stepping behind the bar to serve shots himself. He quoted Carl Sandburg, saying, “Chicago was a stormy, brawling, husky city of big shoulders,” and added that the city’s “blood, sweat and tears” are reflected in the bitter drink.
Flavor, Fun and Fundraising
Malört is notorious for its bitter aftertaste; one participant described it as “a mixture of vomit and sweat.” Yet the crowd remained upbeat, cheering loudly after the synchronized downing of the shots. Comptroller and mayoral hopeful Susana Mendoza, who served Malört from a side stall, noted that the drink’s “communal suffering brings us together.”
Beyond the record attempt, the evening featured a burlesque performance, a “wheel of doom” with Malört‑themed challenges, and a live DJ. Attendees received a Malört shooter labeled “save for the world record attempt,” reinforcing the event’s charitable purpose.
Guinness Verification
According to the Guinness World Records website, any new record must be supported by video evidence and witness statements before official certification. Organizers have submitted the livestream footage and on‑site documentation for review.
The successful gathering highlights Chicago’s vibrant community spirit, its love of quirky traditions, and a willingness to turn a bitter local specialty into a force for good.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
