Although it is a controversial notion to argue that cordial is alcoholic, it is not. However, if you check the label, you can notice that it contains a small amount of alcohol.

A cordial is a highly sweet beverage. It contains up to 30% sugar and can be made alcoholic by mixing it with a spirit (such as Cognac, brandy, or vodka). Although a cordial with 5-15 percent alcohol is nonalcoholic, it may be dubbed still wine because it is still primarily fruit juice.

Because cordials must hide the taste of the underlying liquor, they are sweet.