The Rise of Malört, an Unexpected Midwest princess

> It is also, in five words, the unofficial liquor of Chicago

No, it's a meme that hipsters have somehow latched onto because the Chicago aesthetic seems to be popular now.

If a native Chicagoan tells you that you have to have a shot of Malort when you're at the bar because it's the "unofficial liquor of Chicago" - they're pulling a prank. It's somehow lasted a century as a prank you pull on your buddies who don't drink that often.

If it's lasted a century as a prank Chicagoans play on people, it sounds like it is in fact a cultural touchstone.