Lime Cordial
Lime cordial is a sweetened, concentrated lime syrup, most famously associated with the classic bottled British style, offering a distinct tart-sweet lime flavour different from fresh juice. It has a more cooked, concentrated character than fresh lime. It is used both as a sweetener and a lime flavour source.
Common uses
- sweetener and lime flavour in built cocktails
- substitute when fresh lime is unavailable
Buying & storage
Weeks once opened: Opened, it is on a clock — oxidation flattens it well before the bottle looks empty. Refrigerate it and use it.
Storage: keeps for months once opened, refrigerate after opening
In depth
Understanding lime cordial
How it is made, where it comes from, what it pairs with, and how it behaves in an alcohol-free drink.
Origin
Associated with the classic Rose's brand developed in Britain in the 1860s.
Before it goes
Use up lime cordial
Ranked by how much of it each drink uses and how little else it needs — the ones at the top will not send you back to the shop.
- Gimlet
Uses 20ml. Also needs gin.
Recipes
Cocktails containing this ingredient
Swap it
Possible substitutions
Explore