cocktail
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a drink made by mixing different types of alcohol with fruit juice or other flavours.
n.an alcoholic beverage consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, bitters, or cream.
Simple“The waiter brought us a fruity cocktail with a slice of lime on the glass.”
In context“The bartender prepared a classic gin cocktail, carefully balancing the botanical notes with fresh citrus and a dash of aromatic bitters.”
Synonymsmixed drinkaperitif - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a mixture of different things, often ones that react together or cause a strong effect.
n.a combination of diverse elements, substances, or factors, often resulting in a potent or volatile effect.
Simple“The patient was taking a cocktail of different medications to treat the infection.”
In context“The city's air quality was affected by a dangerous cocktail of industrial pollutants and heavy traffic exhaust during the heatwave.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a cold dish served at the start of a meal, usually containing seafood.
n.a cold appetizer typically consisting of pieces of seafood served in a piquant sauce.
Simple“We ordered a prawn cocktail to share before our main course arrived.”
In context“The traditional shrimp cocktail remains a popular choice on the restaurant's starter menu, served with a spicy horseradish sauce.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to mix different things together, especially fuel or chemicals.
v.to adulterate or modify a substance, such as fuel, by mixing in other components.
Simple“The mechanics were warned not to cocktail the fuel with cheaper additives.”
In context“The investigation revealed that the supplier had been cocktailing the aviation spirit with lower-grade kerosene to increase profit margins.”
UsageThe verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Synonymsadulterateblend
“Photograph: Antonio Olmos/The Guardian As well as a viewing of the tapestry, guests who book the Bayeux experience also get a themed cocktail and a full English breakfast.”
“Add to this the sugar-hit snacking that keeps some shift workers going overnight and it makes for an extremely unhealthy cocktail.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.