Behind the Formula: Austin Davis and Cordial Craft

Behind the Formula:

Years behind the bar gave Austin Davis a question worth pursuing: how could a well-made cocktail become easier to repeat? His Hilton mixology experience and studies in biomedical science and chemistry shaped the way he developed Cordial Craft: measure carefully, taste, and keep refining.

Built around the drink

Austin wanted an ingredient that could bring lime character, sweetness, acidity, and body together in one pour. That meant working through small batches, tasting them in drinks, and adjusting until the parts felt balanced. The aim was useful behind a busy bar and just as relevant at home: a clear starting point for a well-made cocktail.

Science meets mixology

Austin applied his chemistry studies to careful measurement, repeated tasting, and ingredient comparisons. Cordial Craft Zero-Sugar Lime Cordial was developed to replace separate lime juice and simple syrup in recipes designed around it. The finished cocktail still depends on the spirit, method, ice, and other ingredients.

Field testing at Hilton

During Austin’s Hilton mixology work, he tested the cordial in live service and gathered guest and bartender feedback. In that setting, he observed fewer separate measuring steps, more repeatable pours, and positive guest response. Guest and bartender feedback helped shape the next round of refinements.

One cordial, many directions

Cordial Craft Zero-Sugar Lime Cordial is the flagship product. Its lime character can work across margaritas, gimlets, daiquiris, highballs, and other recipes, without each drink tasting the same. Different spirits, fruit, herbs, and methods give each recipe its own direction.

Recipe: Southside-style cocktail

Gin, mint, lime character, and a splash of soda make a crisp, aromatic cocktail. For a non-alcoholic version, choose a gin alternative you enjoy and check its sugar content if that matters to your serve.

  Ingredients

- 2 oz gin (or non-alcoholic gin)

- 0.75 oz Cordial Craft Zero-Sugar Lime Cordial

- 8 mint leaves

- Splash of club soda

- Ice

- 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

The work behind the bottle matters because it has to translate into the glass. For Austin, that means paying attention to flavor, texture, and the person receiving the drink. A recipe is useful when another bartender or a home host can understand it and make it again.

Build the future with us

Explore the lime cordial and the recipes built around it. Whether you are making one drink or developing a bar menu, start with a complete recipe and adjust with a clear idea of what you want to change.

Check out more recipes here or order your bottle today. Help us shape the next chapter of mixology.

Complex made simple. Cordial Craft.