cordial

Cordial is a word with two common senses in English. As a noun, it most often refers to a sweet, flavored drink. As an adjective, it denotes warmth or friendliness and, historically, relates to matters of the heart. The term derives from the Latin cor, heart, via Old French cordial and Late Latin cordialis, originally meaning "of the heart" and later "consoling" or "soothing".

In contemporary British usage, cordial denotes a non-alcoholic concentrated syrup, typically fruit-flavored, sold in bottles and diluted with water. Common flavors include blackcurrant, elderberry, and lemon. In this sense cordials are similar to squashes or syrups, used to flavor beverages. In American and some other varieties of English, cordial most often refers to a liqueur—a sweet, usually fruit- or nut-flavored alcoholic drink that ranges in strength and is served neat, on the rocks, or used in cocktails. Some cordials are cream liqueurs or nut-based liqueurs.

As an adjective, cordial describes warmth and sincerity of feeling, such as "a cordial welcome." In medical or historical contexts, a cordial was a restorative beverage, believed to strengthen the heart or spirits.

Historically, cordials were medicinal preparations containing tonics and alcohol, prepared as "cordial waters" or "cordials" in apothecaries in Europe from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Because of regional variations, the meaning of cordial may differ; context usually clarifies whether a non-alcoholic syrup or an alcoholic liqueur is meant, or whether the term is used adjectivally.