buck's fizz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Social
Quick answer
What does “buck's fizz” mean?
A cocktail made by mixing champagne (or another sparkling white wine) with orange juice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cocktail made by mixing champagne (or another sparkling white wine) with orange juice.
The drink is traditionally associated with celebratory occasions, especially brunches. In British English, it is also the name for a drink more commonly known internationally as a 'mimosa'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Buck's Fizz' is the primary, universally understood term for champagne and orange juice. In the US, 'mimosa' is the dominant term, with 'Buck's Fizz' being a less common, sometimes more 'British-sounding' alternative.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries strong connotations of celebration (e.g., weddings, Christmas Day, brunch). In the US, the same connotations are attached to 'mimosa'; 'Buck's Fizz' may sound slightly formal or old-fashioned.
Frequency
High frequency in UK social contexts; low to medium frequency in US contexts, where it is recognised but not the default term.
Grammar
How to Use “buck's fizz” in a Sentence
to drink/have/serve a buck's fizzto make a buck's fizz with [ingredient]a buck's fizz for [occasion]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “buck's fizz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to buck's fizz our way through the morning.
- They were buck's fizzing by the pool.
American English
- (Rarely verbed) Let's mimosa instead.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- It was a very buck's fizz atmosphere.
- A buck's fizz reception followed the ceremony.
American English
- The mimosa menu featured several options.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality, catering, or event planning contexts (e.g., 'The package includes a welcome Buck's Fizz').
Academic
Virtually non-existent.
Everyday
Common in social planning and description of leisure activities (e.g., 'We had Buck's Fizz with our Christmas breakfast').
Technical
Used in bartending/mixology to specify a recipe distinct from a mimosa (often defined by the 2:1 ratio).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “buck's fizz”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “buck's fizz”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “buck's fizz”
- Misspelling as 'Buck's Fiz' or 'Bucks Fizz' (the apostrophe is often used). Confusing it with 'Bellini' (peach puree and prosecco). Using sparkling water instead of champagne.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar, often used interchangeably. Purists argue a Buck's Fizz has a higher ratio of champagne to juice (2:1) compared to a mimosa (1:1), and may insist on using fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Yes, by substituting the champagne with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling apple cider. It is sometimes called a 'Mock's Fizz' or 'Virgin Mimosa'.
It is named after Buck's Club in London, where it was first created in 1921 by barman McGarry, predating the popularisation of the term 'mimosa'.
Typically, only at very informal business social events, like a weekend brunch or a celebratory lunch. It is generally considered a leisure/celebration drink, not for formal meetings.
A cocktail made by mixing champagne (or another sparkling white wine) with orange juice.
Buck's fizz is usually informal, social in register.
Buck's fizz: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʌks ˈfɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbəks ˈfɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a Buck's Fizz kind of morning.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a wealthy BUCK (deer/stag) at a fancy party, FIZZing with champagne bubbles. The buck is celebrating, just like you do with this drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
CELEBRATION IS EFFERVESCENCE / LUXURY IS A SPARKLING MIXTURE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to hear 'Buck's Fizz' used as the standard term?