Back in October, we let you know that our friends at Busby’s (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-249-4766) would be hosting its second annual Malört Fest from noon to midnight on Sunday, December 7 to coincide with that day’s Packers-Bears game. Some rejoiced the impending day of fun and revelry that’s centered around a polarizing spirit. Others expended precious time and energy to comment about their dislike of Malört as if anyone gives a shit what they think and there’s not already enough unnecessary negativity on the internet.
In the weeks between that announcement and today, Busby’s has been working hard to nail down all the details of Malört Fest 2025. With Sunday’s festivities just around the corner, we figured the bold, curious, and/or those who have successfully acquired the taste for the stuff might appreciate a guide to the entertaining—and Milwaukee Record-sponsored!—event. So here it is.
Drinks
Owner Rob Zellermayer and the other masterful mixologists at Busby’s are going all out for this soiree by crafting a wide-reaching list of cocktails, specialty shots, and drink pairings that each incorporate Malört. They are…
Strawberry Patch Jello Shots
Starburst Strawberry Jello, rhubarb liqueur and Malört, duh!
Swedish Surfer Shake
An ice cream cocktail with the sweet Swedish liqueur itself, Malört, with a heavy dose of Baja Blast syrup, rum, blue curaçao, and pineapple amaro.
I Pass Laundering
Mezcal, Malört, pineapple nectar, and grapefruit—all to save you from having to make a run for the border. It will be garnished with a Burnout Pre-Roll from Kelly’s Greens.
Southside Tropics
Think banana daiquiri with a Pilsen flair.
Poppin’ Peppered Margarita
A spicy, peppery take on the Malört marg
The Happy Handshake
Symbolizing the unity that we strive to achieve with Malört Fest by pairing a shot of Jeppson’s Malört and a pint of Third Space’s Happy Place.
The Chicago Necktie
A refreshing improvement on the Champagne of Beers with a shot of Malört and grapefruit juice in your High Life.
(All descriptions courtesy of Rob Zellermayer)
Photo: Meg Strobel
Food
Beyond the drink aspect, Paul Zerkel from Goodkind will be on-site serving up food on-site during the game. Not just any food. Malört Fest will feature an array of items that all have one secret ingredient in common…Malört! Here’s the list of Malört-y munchies you’ll be able to procure at this year’s fest.
Duck Inn Duck Fat Hot Dog
Featuring Malört ketchup (surely a source of conflicting feelings for Chicago folks).
Sloppy Italian Beef
With a Malört Jus!
Deep Dish Antipasti Salad
Is there a Malört vinaigrette dressing? You bet your sweet ass there is.
Palmer House Blondie
With a “cheese curd swirl” and Malört caramel.
Other Stuff
Of course the game (which has just been flexed to 3:25 p.m. because the Bears are actually winning games for once) will be on. At halftime and right after the game, there will be raffles that will raise funds for the Bay View Community Center. Raffle prizes include “some of Chicago and Milwaukee’s finest tubular meats” that Busby’s gathered for the occasion, as well as goodies from Jeppson’s, Milwaukee Record, and Third Space. We’re also told a rep from the distillery will be there, so you might get lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) and wind up with a free shot.
Malört! Food! Football! Community! It’s going to be super fun and we can’t wait to see you weirdos at Busby’s on Sunday, December 7.
