# cocktail

/ˈkɑkˌteɪɫ/ (US) · /kˈɒkteɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cocktail
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. mixed drink

noun · CEFR B1

a drink made by mixing different types of alcohol with fruit juice or other flavours.

For teachers: an alcoholic beverage consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, bitters, or cream.

- The waiter brought us a fruity cocktail with a slice of lime on the glass.
- The bartender prepared a classic gin cocktail, carefully balancing the botanical notes with fresh citrus and a dash of aromatic bitters.

### 2. a mixture

noun · CEFR B2

a mixture of different things, often ones that react together or cause a strong effect.

For teachers: a combination of diverse elements, substances, or factors, often resulting in a potent or volatile effect.

- The patient was taking a cocktail of different medications to treat the infection.
- The city's air quality was affected by a dangerous cocktail of industrial pollutants and heavy traffic exhaust during the heatwave.

### 3. appetizer

noun · CEFR B2

a cold dish served at the start of a meal, usually containing seafood.

For teachers: a cold appetizer typically consisting of pieces of seafood served in a piquant sauce.

- We ordered a prawn cocktail to share before our main course arrived.
- The traditional shrimp cocktail remains a popular choice on the restaurant's starter menu, served with a spicy horseradish sauce.

### 4. to mix substances

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to mix different things together, especially fuel or chemicals.

For teachers: to adulterate or modify a substance, such as fuel, by mixing in other components.

- The mechanics were warned not to cocktail the fuel with cheaper additives.
- The investigation revealed that the supplier had been cocktailing the aviation spirit with lower-grade kerosene to increase profit margins.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.