Cool MateCocktail
UK /["/ˈkɒkteɪl/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːkteɪl/"]/
Definition
a drink usually made from a mixture of one or more spirits (= strong alcoholic drinks) and fruit juice. It can also be made without alcohol.
In simple words: A mixed drink with alcohol.
Examples
- a cocktail bar/cabinet/shaker
- a prawn/shrimp cocktail
- fruit cocktail
- a lethal cocktail of drugs
- The show was a heady cocktail of jazz and political satire.
Usage notes
Use 'cocktail' when referring to a drink in social settings. It's appropriate in bars and restaurants but may not be used in formal occasions.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'cocktail party' where people mingle and enjoy mixed drinks.
Collocations
- pre-dinner
- afternoon
- evening
- make
- mix
- serve
- bar
- lounge
- cabinet
- prawn
- seafood
- shrimp
- deadly
- lethal
- heady
- cocktail of
Synonyms
- mixed drink
- beverage
- alcoholic drink
- libation
- tipple
Antonyms
- water
- plain drink
- soft drink
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'cocktail' with 'mocktail' which means a non-alcoholic version.
- Using it when referring to any drink, not just alcoholic ones.
- Spelling it incorrectly as 'coktail'.