Where to Drink Malört in Denver

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Tonight’s the night you fight your dad. -Malört

Malört is a bitter herbal liqueur that was once only served in Chicago. It has a bright yellow hue and a controversial taste.

In the early 1900s, it was the most ubiquitous drink in Sweden and accompanied the nearly 1 million Swedes who immigrated to the U.S. during that period. Jeppson’s Malört is named after Carl Jeppson, the Swedish immigrant who first distilled and popularized the liquor in Chicago just after Prohibition was lifted.

Jeppson’s Malört is Chicago’s local beskbrännvin — a style of bitter, wormwood-based, Swedish schnapps. First developed during medieval times for its supposed medicinal benefits, it’s traditionally associated with the farms of Skåne, in Sweden, where the wormwood plant grows wild.

It is considered a Chicago cultural icon, often referred to as a Chicago handshake when chased with a can of Old Style Beer.

Below we’ll go over popular spots you can go to drink this beloved beverage in the Mile High City.

Related: Complete Denver Travel Guide

#1 MST Denver

MST Denver is a Midwestern Tavern serving Chicago fare and more. They’re located in the Ballpark neighborhood.

Their kitchen is almost entirely scratch. You have to try their cheese curds, fried pickles, and Chicago Tavern-style pizza.

You can also drink your Malört from a Spanish perrón by request.

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#2 TrashHawk Tavern

Callin’ all Trash BBs! This fun dive bar on Broadway offers affordable drinks and LOTS of raccoon collectibles. We’re huge fans of TrashHawk!

#3 Honor Farm Haunted Spirit House

Malört is served on tap here, and it’s chilled. Head to the back of the bar to find the secret Hell or High Water Tiki speakeasy.

#4 Vesper Lounge

Vesper Lounge is a dive bar in the Golden Triangle with an amazing happy hour! On Sundays, you can order a smash burger and beer special for $12!

#5 Wyman’s No. 5

Located in City Park West, Wyman’s is a Chicago pizza sports bar. Take a shot and join the Malört Wall of Pain.

#6 Middleman

Middleman is a cocktail bar offering a Malört cocktail called Oh My Lört.

#7 Sputnik

Fun dive bar on Broadway with fruity libations and bar food.

#8 The Bar Car

Bar Car is a neighborhood dive bar. While they offer Malört, our favorite beverage to order here is their tasty Bloody Mary’s.

#9 Goosetown Tavern

#10 Steuben’s

Steuben’s is a popular Denver diner located in uptown. Their cocktail game is pretty impressive! But their shakes are where it’s at!

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#11 Wild Corgi Pub

The Wild Corgi Pub offers barrel-aged Malört and tasty bar food!

#12 The Crypt

The Crypt is a horror-themed bar with spooky food and drinks.

#13 The L

The L is a chill neighborhood bar run by longtime bartenders. They have excellent craft cocktails and $10 espresso martinis.

They also offer industry night every night.

#14 Retrograde

The Retrograde is a speakeasy behind an ice cream shop.

#15 715 Club

#16 Skylark Lounge

#17 Pon Pon

We are obsessed with Pon Pon! It’s a dive bar with a moody vibe. There’s also a Karaoke speakeasy in the back.

#18 The Walnut Room

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#19 Pony Up

#20 Seven Grand

Seven Grand is a whiskey bar located in Downtown Denver with private lockers and a huge bottle selection.

They can pretty much make anything you desire. One of my favorite things to order is a Naked and Famous cocktail which they execute extremely well.

And they have Malört, go figure.

#21 Glo Noodle House

Glo Noodle House has a Malört mixed drink called the Mononoke.

#22 The Electric Cure

The Electric Cure has a “This is my last Malort” cocktail. And it masks the taste as best as it can.

#23 Player’s Pub

Fun dive bar with infusions and arcade games.

#24 Nola Jane

Not only can you get Malört here, you can also enjoy delicious cajun food. Check out their Nola Jane‘s chocolate chip bread pudding.

@alexgoesglobal Nawleans cuisine in Denver! 😋 You can see and taste Chef Mike’s love for Cajun Creole food through every bite. Our favorites were the BBQ shrimp Mac and cheese, shrimp and grits, blackened catfish, gumbo, collared greens, debris poboy, and the guilty as h3ll chocolate chip bread pudding! 😮‍💨 Come celebrate Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday) on March 4, 2025! Are you celebrating this year? @nolajanedenver 📍1435 Market St, Denver, CO 80202 #alexapproved #alexgoesglobal #alexeats #aggdenver #denverrestaurants #denverfoodie #denverfood #denverfoodscene #denverblogger #denverinfluencer ♬ original sound – Alex Goes Global

#25 Happy Camper

We love the pizza at Happy Camper. Get it with a side of their house-made ranch. They also have Malört.

#26 Brutal Poodle

Brutal Poodle is a dive bar offering pho with a side of Malört (if you wish).

#27 Fellow Traveler

Fellow Traveller in Englewood has Malört Mondays where you can order a Malört flight that include three types of Malört, one of which is an NA version created by the bar owner.

#28 Ballmer Peak Distillery

Ballmer Peak Distillery in Lakewood makes their own craft Malört and named it the Bäsk Nomört. What started as an April Fool’s joke is now here to stay.