Bar Makes the Most of ‘Cicada-geddon’ by Selling Shots of Malört Infused With the Plaguing Creepy Crawlies

Time Out reported on Thursday that a bar in Chicago is celebrating what the media is referring to as "Cicada-geddon" by infusing shots of the infamous spirit Malört with "locally harvested" cicadas.

"Prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience because starting today, we're thrilled to unveil our exclusive locally harvested Ciceda-Infused Malört at Lombard Brewpub!" the bar shared in an Instagram post on the account for Noon Whistle Brewing.

The pub shared that the 17-year-old "virgin cicadas" added a "lobster-like flavor sensation." Noon Whistle Brewing also invited patrons to bring their cicada husks to take their buzzy shots "to the next level," claiming it was a "personalized alcoholic cicada broth experience." Needless to say, the internet had thoughts:

"You know, every time I have a shot of Malort, I'm like this really could use some invertebrate notes," a user commented.

The comments section was rife with bug-related puns, crying-laughing emojis and Guy Fieri memes.

"Y'all need Jesus," another commenter wrote.

The shots are set to sell for $5 a pop, and will be available for a short window. Those with shellfish allergies should avoid indulging in this buzz-worthy beverage, as cicadas have tropomyosin which could lead to fatal consequences.

More About Malört: The World's Worst-Tasting Liquor

Jeppson's Malört is made in Florida, but its most devout audience resides within the city of Chicago. The spirit's claim to fame is its off-putting taste. Paste Magazine reported that Malört's name is derived from the Swedish term for "wormwood." It is the only wormwood-based drink to never face a ban in America, according to the outlet. The spirit was brought to Chicago at the turn of the 20th century by Swedish immigrants. According to the brand, the liquor was sold during Prohibition because the federal government concluded that no one in their right mind would want to drink Malört recreationally. So what does Malört taste like? The Chicago Sun Times reached out to Windy City residents in August 2021 to get their thoughts. Here's what they said:

"Pure unbridled hatred. Like Skittles drenched in gasoline, stuffed into a sock. Then someone beats you to death with that sock. Like how getting dumped in high school feels," an individual named Mike Amarilio shared with the outlet. "It's like french kissing a desk from Ikea," Lindsey Monroe-Bougher shared. "Rotten grapefruit rubbed in motor oil," Lisa Streitmatter said. "It's like if shame and regret were left to ferment before being distilled through an old, sweaty shoe," Nora Rose Allen shared. "It's like being forced to down Elmer's glue by grade school bullies with an aftertaste of candle wax," Walter Brzeski expressed.

Though it's unclear if the infusion of Cicadas will actually relieve the liquor of its distinctive flavor, some individuals claimed on the bar's Instagram page that it might make the infamous spirit taste better. We probably won't be trying it any time soon. [botmc-promo]