Leopold Bros Sour Lime Cordial
Leopold Bros Sour Lime Cordial is Persian limes from the Gulf Coast of Veracruz, Mexico, double-distilled in the distillery's hybrid copper pot stills in Denver, Colorado — then sweetened with cane sugar and acid-adjusted with house-made lactic acid skimmed from the top of their fermenting whiskey mash. The result is a 40% ABV (700mL) cordial with electric, lasting lime acidity that stands alone in the glass or substitutes for lime juice in any cocktail. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof) — 700mL
- Base: Persian limes (Veracruz, Mexico), double-distilled — essentially a lime eau-de-vie
- Process: cane sugar + house-made lactic acid from whiskey-mash skimmings; intensely tart finish
- Origin: Leopold Bros, Denver, Colorado — independently owned, founded by brothers Todd and Scott Leopold
- Use: use within 4 months of opening (8 months refrigerated); some natural oxidation occurs
Lime Juice, Rebuilt as a Spirit
Leopold Bros harkens back to an era when fresh limes weren't reliably available — and then outdoes the original. Distilling the limes into an eau-de-vie captures the floral, lilac-like aroma of the Persian lime's oils, while the lactic acid (a trick borrowed from their whiskey program) gives the cordial its signature electric tang. It mixes into mezcal, tequila, and rum drinks like a lime juice with the volume turned up. See more from Leopold Bros or browse liqueurs and mixers.
Tasting Notes
Fresh lime juice, lemon-lime soda, key lime peel, and a hint of juniper on the nose; a vibrant, acidic palate of lime, lime, and more lime with subtle blueberry and juniper notes (per the importer).
How to Enjoy
Use as a float on a Gin & Tonic or Margarita, mix into a Collins, pour into the neck of a cold Modelo or Corona, or shake a Sour Lime Buck with ginger beer. Try it anywhere a cocktail leans on lively lime juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lime cordial used for?
As a substitute for lime juice in cocktails — Gimlets, Margaritas, Daiquiris, highballs — anywhere you want intense, lasting lime acidity without squeezing a dozen limes.
Who makes Leopold Bros Sour Lime Cordial?
Leopold Bros of Denver, Colorado — an independently owned distillery founded by brothers Todd and Scott Leopold.
Does it need refrigeration?
Use within 4 months of opening, or 8 months if refrigerated — some natural oxidation will occur.
Denver-distilled lime intensity in a bottle — order Leopold Bros Sour Lime Cordial online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.