Austin Davis didn’t set out to start a mixer company. He was studying chemistry when he fell in love with the art of hospitality. After working behind bars at Hilton, he realized that the skills he learned in the lab; precision, experimentation and understanding how ingredients interact, translated perfectly to mixology. His search for the perfect drink for his partner turned into a passion project that eventually became Cordial Craft.
The problem with traditional cordials
Most cordials on the market are full of sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives. They’re designed for ease of use but sacrifice quality and flavor. In the bar world, that’s unacceptable. Austin wanted to craft something that would save time without compromising on taste. He started by making small batches of various cordials in his kitchen and the bar, just for fun. The results were so good that friends and colleagues encouraged him to sell them.
Science meets mixology
Austin’s background in chemistry meant he could approach cordial-making systematically. He carefully balanced acidity and sweetness to create a product that could replace both lime juice and simple syrup in one pour. By choosing high-quality natural ingredients and experimenting with proprietary sweeteners, he achieved zero sugar without the artificial aftertaste common in diet syrups. Every recipe is tested under different conditions : shaken, stirred, poured over ice, to ensure it performs consistently in real-world scenarios.
Field testing at Hilton
As a mixologist for Hilton, Austin had the perfect testing ground. He introduced his lime cordial at hotel bars to gauge guest reactions and gather feedback from fellow bartenders. The response was overwhelmingly positive: service was faster, drinks were more consistent and guests loved the flavor. More importantly, the cordial improved margins by reducing prep time and ingredient waste. This proof-of-concept gave Austin the confidence to scale up production and launch Cordial Craft.
Crafting a versatile product line
Although the sugar-free lime cordial remains the flagship, Cordial Craft’s product line has grown to include other flavors designed to solve common bar problems. Each new cordial begins with the same philosophy: real fruit and botanicals, no sugar, no allergens and a mixologist’s attention to balance. The goal is to provide professional-grade tools that make it easy to create complex cocktails and mocktails quickly.
Recipe: Zero-Sugar Southside
This drink is a nod to Austin’s chemistry roots: simple ingredients combined in perfect proportion.
Ingredients
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2 oz gin (or non-alcoholic gin)
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0.75 oz Cordial Craft Sugar Free Lime Cordial
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8 mint leaves
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Splash of club soda
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Ice
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Mint sprig for garnish
Method
1.
Slap the mint leaves and place in a shaker.
2.
Add the gin and lime cordial with ice.
3.
Shake until chilled.
4.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass and top with a splash of club soda.
5.
Garnish with a mint sprig.
Why story matters
When you pour a Cordial Craft drink, you’re not just mixing a cocktail, you’re participating in a story of innovation and dedication. Knowing the history behind the product enriches the experience for guests and helps bartenders take pride in what they serve. It’s also a reminder that sometimes the best innovations come from combining disciplines, in this case, chemistry and hospitality.
Build the future with us
Cordial Craft continues to innovate new flavors and tools for bars and homes. We’re committed to transparency, sustainability and craft. If you’re passionate about better cocktails and mocktails, we invite you to join our community.
Check out more recipes
here or
order your bottle today. Help us shape the next chapter of mixology.
Craft better. Pour faster. No sugar. Just Cordial Craft.
