mixed drink: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Semi-formal to informal. Common in social, hospitality, and culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mixed drink” mean?
An alcoholic beverage composed by mixing two or more ingredients (typically spirits with mixers like juice, soda, or other liqueurs).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An alcoholic beverage composed by mixing two or more ingredients (typically spirits with mixers like juice, soda, or other liqueurs).
Any alcoholic drink prepared by mixing components, as opposed to being served straight or on the rocks. Can also refer non-specifically to cocktails.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English. In British English, 'cocktail' is frequently used for most mixed alcoholic drinks in social contexts, though 'mixed drink' is understood.
Connotations
US: Neutral, standard term for bar drinks. UK: Slightly more technical or descriptive, can sound American-influenced.
Frequency
High frequency in US; medium frequency in UK.
Grammar
How to Use “mixed drink” in a Sentence
ORDER + mixed drinkPREFER + mixed drink + TO + straight spiritSERVE + (sb) + a mixed drinkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mixed drink” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He prefers to mix his drinks himself.
- I never mix my drinks; I stick to beer.
American English
- She mixed a drink for her guest.
- He's good at mixing drinks for parties.
adverb
British English
- [No common adverbial use for this phrase]
American English
- [No common adverbial use for this phrase]
adjective
British English
- It was a mixed-drink kind of evening.
- The mixed-drink menu was extensive.
American English
- They have a mixed-drink special tonight.
- He's a mixed-drink aficionado.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in hospitality industry reports, menu pricing, and licensing discussions.
Academic
Rare; may appear in social studies or history of food and drink.
Everyday
Common in social planning, at bars, parties, and restaurants.
Technical
Used in bartending guides, mixology, and beverage service training.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mixed drink”
- Using 'mixed drink' to refer to a simple spirit with a single mixer (e.g., whisky and coke) – this is correct, but learners sometimes think it only means elaborate cocktails.
- Confusing 'mixed drink' with 'smoothie' or non-alcoholic mixture.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In standard usage, yes. It refers to alcoholic beverages made by mixing. Non-alcoholic mixed beverages are usually called 'mocktails' or 'soft drinks'.
All cocktails are mixed drinks, but not all mixed drinks are considered cocktails. 'Cocktail' often implies a specific, named recipe with potentially more complex preparation, while 'mixed drink' is a broader term (e.g., a simple rum and coke is a mixed drink).
It is acceptable in formal contexts related to the hospitality industry, law, or economics. In other formal writing, 'alcoholic beverage' or 'cocktail' might be preferred depending on precision.
Yes, it is a compound noun where 'mixed' acts as a participial adjective modifying 'drink'. It is typically written as two words.
An alcoholic beverage composed by mixing two or more ingredients (typically spirits with mixers like juice, soda, or other liqueurs).
Mixed drink: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪkst ˈdrɪŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪkst ˈdrɪŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly idiomatic for this specific phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MIXing' different liquids to 'DRINK' – it's literally a drink that is mixed.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIQUID CONSTRUCTION / A FLAVOUR COMPOSITION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be called a 'mixed drink' in a standard bar context?