Definition: Cocktail

A mixture of alcoholic beverages, with or without the addition of syrups, fruit juices, candied fruit, soda, etc. There are two types of cocktails: short drinks, which are served dry, and long drinks, which are mixed with soda water or another beverage. Cocktails are often shaken in a shaker. Their preparation often requires specific equipment and the skill of a bartender, who also takes great care in presenting them in the appropriate glass.