Chicago is celebrated globally for its distinct culinary contributions, from deep-dish pizza to the Chicago-style hot dog. While many metropolitan areas claim a signature cocktail, the answer for the Windy City is not a simple, universally beloved mixed drink. Chicago’s true signature beverage is a unique, polarizing, and local tradition that serves as a rite of passage for residents and a challenge for visitors.
The Chicago Handshake and Malört
The most contemporary answer to Chicago’s signature drink is the “Chicago Handshake,” a pairing that consists of a shot of Jeppson’s Malört and a can of Old Style beer. This combination is a staple in neighborhood taverns and dive bars, representing a test of local authenticity for anyone new to the city’s drinking culture. The handshake is defined by the intensely bitter spirit, which is a Swedish-style beskbrännvin, or besk, a type of schnapps flavored with wormwood.
The name Malört is the Swedish word for wormwood, the botanical ingredient that gives the spirit its infamous flavor profile. Swedish immigrant Carl Jeppson began producing and selling the liqueur in Chicago during the 1930s, marketing it as a medicinal tonic to circumvent Prohibition laws. The taste is notoriously harsh, often described by first-time drinkers with comparisons that highlight its lingering bitterness.
This polarizing flavor cemented Malört’s status as a local icon, symbolizing Chicago’s rugged, unpretentious character. For decades, the spirit was primarily sold only in the Chicago area, fostering a sense of local ownership. Production of Jeppson’s Malört returned to Chicago in 2019 after the brand was acquired by a local distillery, solidifying its connection to the city. The Handshake is a ritual where the shot of Malört is chased immediately by the light, crisp Old Style lager, which helps cut through the spirit’s powerful finish.
Classic Cocktails with Chicago Roots
Beyond the modern ritual of the Handshake, Chicago’s beverage history includes several classic cocktails with strong local ties, particularly those born from the Prohibition era. The “South Side” cocktail is a refreshing gin-based drink that is often credited with originating in the city’s speakeasies during the 1920s. It combines gin, fresh mint, lime or lemon juice, and sugar, shaken to a frothy consistency.
The popular origin story suggests that South Side gangsters, including those associated with Al Capone, had access to inferior, harsh-tasting bootleg gin. The addition of mint and citrus was a necessary measure to mask the spirit’s unpleasant flavor, creating a palatable drink for patrons of clandestine establishments. This narrative contrasts with the North Side, where a smoother gin was reportedly available, often mixed simply with ginger ale. The South Side cocktail remains a testament to the city’s resourceful and spirited past.
Another historical contender is the “Chicago Cocktail,” a brandy-based drink documented in cocktail manuals dating back to the 19th century. This richer, more complex libation typically features brandy, an orange-flavored liqueur like triple sec, and bitters, often topped with a splash of champagne. While its exact birthplace is debated, its inclusion in a 1931 guide to dining in Chicago confirms its long-standing association with the city’s sophisticated drinking scene.
The city’s historical influence also extends to non-alcoholic beverages, such as Green River Soda, a bright green, lime-flavored soft drink. The Schoenhofen Brewery in Chicago began mass-producing the soda in 1919 to pivot their business during the onset of Prohibition. Green River became immensely popular throughout the Midwest, trailing only Coca-Cola in regional sales at one point, and remains a nostalgic Chicago product.