Cordial

Cordial is a concentrated, fruit-flavoured syrup that is mixed with water to make a drink. Because it is sold in concentrated form, consumers can adjust the strength and flavour to suit their taste preferences.

Cordials are available in a wide range of flavours and may be made with real fruit juice or fruit concentrate. They also come in a variety of formulations, including sugar-sweetened, low- or no-sugar, and no-added-sugar options, giving consumers more choice to suit different preferences and lifestyles.

Cordial
Try it yourself

The dilution lab

Cordial is a concentrate. Drag the slider to see how the same 250 mL glass changes as you mix more, or less, water with your splash of cordial.

IN YOUR GLASS
250 mL
50 mL cordial · 200 mL water
DILUTION RATIO
1 : 4
STRENGTH
Classic
1:2 1:4–5 typical 1:10
CORDIAL
50 mL
WATER
200 mL

Recommended ratios differ between labels depending on how concentrated the cordial is. Always check the bottle, some are made to be diluted much further than others.

What's inside

Key ingredients

Tap any ingredient to learn what it does in the bottle.

Water

THE BASE

Fruit juice

Natural flavour

Sweeteners

sugar or low- and no-calorie

Food acids

balance & freshness
The flavour wall

Six cordials you'll spot in the aisle

From a 1930s raspberry to today’s elderflower, Australian cordial covers old favourites and modern blends.

Raspberry

The Aussie classic, tart, jammy, ruby red.

Lime

Sharp citrus made famous by the cocktail bar.

Blackcurrant

Deep berry with a vitamin-C heritage.

Elderflower

Floral, delicate, a modern favourite.

Orange

Sweet, sunny, easy to drink.

Lemon

Refreshing baseline, also great warm.
More than a mix

Ways to enjoy cordial

Tap any ingredient to learn what it does in the bottle.

With still water

The classic serve. Add a splash of cordial to a glass of cold water, stir, and adjust the strength to your taste.

With sparkling water

Mix cordial with chilled sparkling or soda water to create a homemade carbonated drink. A fun, fizzy alternative to soft drink.

Warm in winter

Top cordial with warm water for a comforting cool-weather drink. Lemon and blackcurrant are popular choices.

In mocktails & cocktails

Cordial is a bartender staple. Use it to add fruit flavour and sweetness to mocktails, spritzes and long drinks.

Frozen as iceblocks
Pour diluted cordial into moulds for homemade iceblocks, a simple summer treat for the whole family.
In recipes
Use cordial as a fruity ingredient in baking, jellies, sauces and glazes, or stirred through yoghurt and fruit salad.
Regulation

How is cordial regulated?

Cordials are regulated as conventional foods under the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code. They must display accurate information on the label with no misleading claims or information.

All claims must be scientifically verified, including accurate disclosure of fruit content in the product, ensuring all label information is accurate and verifiable.

Did you know?

Cordial is one of the oldest non-alcoholic drinks in Australia, first becoming popular in the 1850s.

Did you know?

Cordial is one of the oldest non-alcoholic drinks in Australia, first becoming popular in the 1850s.

Did you know?

Cordial is one of the oldest non-alcoholic drinks in Australia, first becoming popular in the 1850s.

Did you know?

Cordial is one of the oldest non-alcoholic drinks in Australia, first becoming popular in the 1850s.

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Flavoured milk

Water
Water is the base of the cordial concentrate and helps carry flavours when diluted. It’s essential for adjusting the strength and consistency of the final drink.
Fruit juice
Reconstituted fruit juice is used to flavour many cordials and is made by adding water back into concentrated juice. It provides natural fruit flavour and contributes to the overall taste profile of the cordial.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners give cordial its characteristic flavour. This can include sugar or low- and no-calorie sweeteners.
Food acids
Citric acid is added to balance sweetness and enhance flavour. It can also help maintain product stability and freshness.