A cordial is any invigorating and stimulating preparation; as, a peppermint cordial. The term derives from obsolete medical usage, as various beverages were concocted which were believed to beneficial to one's health, especially for the heart (cordialis, Latin).

Alcoholic cordials are also known as liqueurs.

In the UK and Australia, 'cordial' is an extremely sweet (usually entirely artificial) non-alcoholic drink concentrate that you mix with water to taste.