cocktail

/ˈkɒkteɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːkteɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkäk-ˌtāl/ (ame, mw)

cocktail — noun

  • cocktailsingular
  • cocktailsplural

1. A drink created by blending several liquids together, usually containing alcohol

1.名詞B1
釋義

A drink created by blending several liquids together, usually containing alcohol and often mixed with fruit juice, syrup, or other flavourings before serving.

例句

Ravi ordered a fruity cocktail made with rum and fresh pineapple juice.

making a cocktail: mixed with [ingredient] and [ingredient]

The bartender at the rooftop bar shook the cocktail with ice before pouring it.

同義詞
  • mixed drink

    more general term; 'cocktail' implies a specific recipe with flavour balancing

  • mocktail

    a non-alcoholic cocktail; used for parties or designated drivers

  • beverage

    much broader category that includes water, tea, and soft drinks

用法筆記

Often countable. You can order 'a cocktail' or refer to the drink type generally as 'cocktails' (plural uncountable). Use 'non-alcoholic cocktail' or 'mocktail' for drinks without alcohol.

常見錯誤

❌She ordered a cocktail and a beer, then mixed the cocktail with the beer.
✅She ordered a cocktail and a beer separately.
💡'Cocktail' refers to a pre-mixed drink, not something you make by adding drinks together at the table.

2. A combination of several different things, qualities, or situations that togethe

2.名詞B2
釋義

A combination of several different things, qualities, or situations that together produce a particular, often strong or striking, effect.

例句

The festival was a cocktail of colourful lights, loud music, and excited crowds.

a cocktail of [things] — pattern for describing mixed elements

The new tax policy created a dangerous cocktail of rising costs and falling wages.

dangerous cocktail of [negative elements]

同義詞
  • blend

    suggests harmony between the elements; 'cocktail' often implies contrast or surprise

  • mix

    more neutral; 'cocktail' is more vivid and often negative

  • combination

    neutral and broad; less emotional or judgemental than 'cocktail'

反義詞
  • uniformity

    the state of being all the same, with no mixture of different parts

文法句型

cocktail + of + plural noun

用法筆記

Usually appears in the singular with 'of' plus a series of nouns. Often describes unexpected or problematic combinations. Common with adjectives like 'dangerous', 'strange', 'potent', 'lethal'.

常見錯誤

❌The dish was a cocktail vegetables.
✅The dish was a cocktail of colourful vegetables.
💡Requires 'of' before the list of elements.

3. A cold starter dish containing bite-sized items such as seafood, fruit, or raw v

3.名詞A2
釋義

A cold starter dish containing bite-sized items such as seafood, fruit, or raw vegetables, usually served in a glass or small bowl and eaten before the main course.

例句

The waiter brought a prawn cocktail served in a glass with pink sauce.

prawn cocktail — common seafood starter

For a starter, Priya chose a fruit cocktail with melon, grapes, and berries.

同義詞
  • starter

    broader term for any first course; 'cocktail' specifies a cold dish

  • appetizer

    more common in American English; 'cocktail' is a specific type

  • hors d'oeuvre

    often smaller finger foods; 'cocktail' is more substantial

用法筆記

Countable when referring to a single serving ('a prawn cocktail'). Uncountable in general reference ('Would you like some cocktail?'). 'Fruit cocktail' usually refers to a mixture of canned or fresh fruit served as a starter or dessert.

常見錯誤

❌The cocktail was hot and cooked in an oven.
✅The cocktail was cold and served as a starter.
💡Cocktails in the food sense are always cold dishes, not cooked meals.

cocktail — adjective