Cocktail Syrup vs Cordial – Key Differences for Perfect Mixology

1. What Is a Syrup?

A syrup is a mixture of water and sugar, typically in equal parts. In other words, for every milliliter of water, there is an equal amount of sugar in grams. A syrup made solely from water and sugar is referred to as a "Simple Syrup", such as the Simple Syrup – Prosyro (340mL).

To homogenize a syrup, there are two methods: cold mixing (by stirring the ingredients) or by heating the mixture until it becomes a clear and thick liquid. The hot method is generally preferred, as it kills bacteria and extends the syrup’s shelf life. This is also the stage when infusions can be added to create flavored cocktail syrups, such as Elderflower Syrup – Gourmet Sauvage (245mL) or Haskap Cranberry Rosemary Syrup – Ô Sirop (118mL).

Syrups add balance and flavor to cocktails without increasing the alcohol content, allowing individual flavors to shine. It’s recommended to offset the added sugar with bitter or acidic ingredients, such as citrus juice or a cordial (a Vinum exclusive), to create flavorful and well-balanced cocktails.

 

2. What Makes a Cordial Different?

The term cordial is somewhat broad in the world of mixology. By definition, a cordial is a blend of juice, fruits, acids, spices, or floral waters that enhance a cocktail’s structure. Nowadays, "cordial" often refers to a more acidic mixture, similar to citrus juice, used to replace lemon or lime juice for added complexity in cocktails.

This is still a relatively new concept and remains rare in the cocktail ingredient market. Additionally, the human palate tends to resist bitter or acidic flavors, making cordials more complex to craft than syrups—take for example the Yuzu Cordial – Syro-Solutions (946mL).

Why choose a cordial over a syrup? When exploring new flavors in mixology, it’s important to highlight ingredients in ways that best reflect their natural profile. For example, strawberries are naturally sweet and are best used as a strawberry syrup. On the other hand, passion fruit is naturally acidic and shines more in a passion fruit cordial.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Choose?

• Syrup: Ideal for quickly sweetening and subtly aromatizing a cocktail while balancing acidity to taste.

• Cordial: Perfect for adding depth and acidity beyond what traditional citrus juices offer, while also balancing sweetness.

5. Demonstration Recipe

Here’s a recipe to illustrate the importance of each ingredient in a cocktail and their specific roles:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Seedlip Notas de Agave or a Blanco Tequila of your choice

• 0.75 oz Yuzu Cordial – Syro-Solutions

• 0.5 oz Mango Syrup – Prosyro

 

Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a glass using both a cocktail and fine mesh strainer.

Glassware: Rona Nick & Nora Glass – 5.5 oz
Garnish: Dehydrated lime wheel

 

 

Written by Mauricio Jordan