About Best Cordial Australia

Passionate enthusiasts helping Australians discover the perfect cordials since 2024

Our Story

Best Cordial Australia was born from a simple observation: despite cordials being a beloved staple in Australian households for generations, there was no dedicated resource helping consumers navigate the diverse world of concentrated beverages. From the tangy lime cordials perfect for summer barbecues to the warming ginger varieties ideal for winter evenings, we saw an opportunity to create something meaningful.

Our journey began in early 2024 when our founding team—a group of friends who had spent years debating the merits of Bickford's versus Cottee's at countless family gatherings—decided to transform our passion into a proper pursuit. We started systematically testing cordials, documenting our findings, and developing a methodology for evaluation that considers flavour balance, ingredient quality, sugar content, mixing versatility, and overall value for money.

What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a mission. We realised that many Australians were stuck in their cordial habits, buying the same brand their parents bought without ever exploring the incredible diversity available. Others were confused by marketing claims and couldn't distinguish between genuinely premium products and those simply commanding higher prices. We set out to change that by providing honest, thorough, and genuinely helpful information.

Our Testing Process

Every cordial featured on our site undergoes a rigorous evaluation process. We don't just take a quick sip and write a review. Our testing methodology includes:

  • Dilution testing at multiple ratios (1:4, 1:5, and 1:6) to determine optimal mixing recommendations
  • Ingredient analysis examining whether products contain real fruit juice, artificial colours, preservatives, and sweetener types
  • Comparative tasting where we evaluate similar products side-by-side to identify meaningful differences
  • Versatility assessment testing cordials in different applications including plain water mixing, cocktails, mocktails, and cooking
  • Value calculation determining cost per serve to help budget-conscious consumers make informed decisions

We purchase all products ourselves at retail prices from major Australian supermarkets and online retailers. We don't accept free samples for review purposes, ensuring our evaluations remain completely unbiased. When we recommend a product, it's because we genuinely believe it offers quality and value—not because someone sent us a freebie.

Our Commitment to You

We believe that finding the right cordial shouldn't be complicated. Whether you're a health-conscious parent looking for lower-sugar options for your children, a cocktail enthusiast seeking the perfect lime cordial for your gimlets, or simply someone who wants a refreshing drink without the cost and environmental impact of single-serve bottles, we're here to help.

Our commitment extends beyond product recommendations. We create educational content covering topics from proper storage techniques to the fascinating history of Australian cordial brands. We believe that understanding your beverages enhances your enjoyment of them, and we're dedicated to sharing the knowledge we've accumulated.

Meet Our Team

Behind Best Cordial Australia is a small but dedicated team of cordial enthusiasts, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to our mission.

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James Mitchell

Founder & Lead Taster

James grew up in regional Queensland where homemade cordials were a summer tradition. His passion for understanding what makes a great cordial drives our testing methodology.

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Sarah Chen

Research & Nutrition

With a background in food science, Sarah ensures our ingredient analyses are accurate and helps readers understand the nutritional aspects of different cordials.

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David Thompson

Content & Cocktails

A former bartender with a love for Australian beverages, David specialises in cordial applications for cocktails and mocktails, bringing creative flair to our guides.

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Emma Wilson

Community & Outreach

Emma manages our reader communications and ensures the feedback from our community shapes our content priorities and testing calendar.

Supporting Our Work

Best Cordial Australia is an independently operated website. We participate in the Amazon Associates Program, which means we earn a small commission when you purchase products through our links. This doesn't cost you anything extra—the price you pay is exactly the same whether you use our links or not.

These commissions help us cover the costs of purchasing products for testing, maintaining our website, and dedicating time to creating comprehensive guides. We're grateful for readers who choose to support our work in this way, and we promise to always prioritise honest recommendations over affiliate earnings.

If you have questions, suggestions, or just want to share your favourite cordial discovery, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to get in touch.