Simple syrup and cordial are not the same thing. While they both involve sweetening a beverage or cocktail, there are key differences in their ingredients and preparation.
Simple syrup, as the name suggests, is a basic syrup made by dissolving sugar in water. It is a common ingredient in many cocktails, as it provides sweetness without adding any additional flavors. Simple syrup is typically made by combining equal parts sugar and water and heating it until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once cooled, it can be used to sweeten drinks like mojitos, margaritas, or lemonades.
On the other hand, cordial is a flavored syrup that is made by infusing fruits, herbs, or spices into a sugar-water mixture. Unlike simple syrup, cordial adds both sweetness and specific flavors to a beverage. The process of making cordial involves simmering the desired ingredients in water and sugar, allowing the flavors to infuse and create a concentrated syrup. Once strained and cooled, the cordial can be added to cocktails, mocktails, or even used as a flavoring in desserts.
One of the main differences between simple syrup and cordial is the use of additional ingredients in cordial to enhance the flavor profile. For example, when making a citrus cordial, the peel of the fruit is often used to extract the essential oils and provide a more complex and aromatic flavor. This is something that is not done when making simple syrup.
Another distinction is the versatility of cordial in terms of flavors. While simple syrup is essentially just sweetened water, cordial can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, allowing for endless flavor possibilities. From classic fruit cordials like raspberry or orange to more unique combinations like lavender or ginger, cordials offer a range of flavors that simple syrup cannot replicate.
In terms of usage, simple syrup is primarily used as a sweetener in cocktails and mixed drinks. It helps to balance out the flavors and can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes. Cordial, on the other hand, can be used in a similar way but also has the added advantage of providing specific flavors to a drink. It can be used to enhance the taste of a cocktail or even be used as the base for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have found that cordials add a unique and vibrant twist to cocktails. The use of fresh ingredients and the infusion process creates a more complex and layered flavor profile compared to simple syrup. Cordials can truly elevate a drink and take it to the next level.
To summarize, simple syrup and cordial may both be sweet syrups, but they differ in terms of ingredients, preparation, and flavor profile. Simple syrup is a basic sweetener made from sugar and water, while cordial is a flavored syrup made by infusing fruits, herbs, or spices into a sugar-water mixture. Cordials offer a wider range of flavors and can add complexity and depth to cocktails or other beverages. So, while simple syrup is a useful ingredient, cordial takes sweetness to a whole new level with its infusion of flavors.