cock·tail 
/ˈkɑ:kˌteɪl/ noun
plural cock·tails /ˈkɑ:kˌteɪl/ noun 1 [count] : an alcoholic drink that is a mixture of one or more liquors and other ingredients (such as fruit juice)
▪ We had cocktails before dinner. — often used before another noun ▪ a cocktail waiter/waitress/bar ▪ a cocktail glass ▪ A cocktail hour [=an hour when people drink cocktails] preceded the dinner. 2 [count] : a mixture of different things
▪ The disease is being treated with a cocktail of powerful drugs. ▪ a dangerous cocktail of chemicals — see also molotov cocktail 3 [count, noncount] : a small dish of a particular food that is served usually at the beginning or end of a meal
▪ a shrimp cocktail ▪ fruit cocktail
▪ We had cocktails before dinner. — often used before another noun ▪ a cocktail waiter/waitress/bar ▪ a cocktail glass ▪ A cocktail hour [=an hour when people drink cocktails] preceded the dinner.
▪ The disease is being treated with a cocktail of powerful drugs. ▪ a dangerous cocktail of chemicals — see also molotov cocktail
▪ a shrimp cocktail ▪ fruit cocktail
