cocktail
n. countablen. a drink made by mixing different types of alcohol together with fruit juice or other flavors. You usually see these served in fancy glasses at parties or bars.
n. an alcoholic beverage consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, cream, or bitters. Also used figuratively to describe a diverse or volatile mixture of different elements.
She orders a fruit cocktail at the bar.
The bartender spent several minutes carefully preparing a classic cocktail with fresh lime and mint.
The city's unique culture is a vibrant cocktail of colonial history, indigenous traditions, and modern global influences.
Early 17th century, from cock (“male bird”) + tail, in the sense “(a horse with its) tail standing up, like a cock’s”. The origin of the extension to “an alcoholic mixed drink” is unknown. One theory is that it refers to a stimulant (gingering), hence a stimulating drink; compare pick-me-up. Another attested use is for non-thoroughbred racehorses: these were considered "cock-tailed" due to their docked tails. This may have led to the term "cocktail" (sense 1) being used for an adulterated spirit.
Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'cocktail party' or 'cocktail dress'.