As an adjective, it means warm, polite, and friendly in a respectful way. In some dialects, as a noun, it can mean a sweet, flavored drink, sometimes alcoholic.
From Medieval Latin *cordialis* 'of the heart', from Latin *cor, cordis* 'heart'. It originally referred to things that were good for the heart or spirit.
Calling someone 'cordial' is like saying their friendliness comes from the heart—same root as 'core' and 'courage.' It suggests warmth with manners, not wild enthusiasm. The drink meaning comes from old herbal 'cordials' meant to strengthen the heart.
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