At my dwelling bar, there’s just one bottle really worthy of the title “secret weapon.” To earn the moniker, an ingredient should be capable to simply enhance a wide range of cocktails—particularly if its addition is surprising. Leopold Bros.’ Bitter Lime Cordial ticks these packing containers after which some.

From one of the thrilling distillers within the nation, this 80-proof liqueur reads extra like an eau de vie, due to its depth of taste and aroma. Persian limes sourced from the coast of Veracruz, Mexico, drive the style, whereas a small measure of cane sugar is offset by lactic acid for a tart end. It’s scrumptious by itself—even simply smelling it’s a deal with—however it shines particularly shiny in cocktails alongside, and even in lieu of, recent lime juice.

Considered one of my favourite functions so far is in a Gimlet, the place a quarter-ounce of the cordial brings aromatic, floral notes—the type you’d get from lime peel oils—and further physique to the acquainted template. It’s like if Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice have been 40 p.c ABV, and really good. 

This isn’t a type of bottles that sit on the bar cart gathering mud, solely often being allotted by sprint. A half-ounce may also punch up a G&T, add some acidity to a Negroni, enliven a beer or perhaps a Spindrift (severely). The probabilities are restricted solely by your creativeness.