From the Latin cor, meaning “heart,” cordials were originally developed for medicinal purposes and thought to be beneficial for one’s health, particularly the heart. Cordials were first produced in Italian apothecaries around the late 15th century. By the 18th century, cordials were becoming recreational drinks enjoyed for their intoxicating effects, and eventually evolved into liqueurs. Today, the terms “cordial” and “liqueur” can be used mostly interchangeably, except in the U.K., where “cordial” can also refer to a sweet, non-alcoholic liquid.