Usage Note
Cóctel is both a mixed alcoholic drink and a social reception event — un cóctel de bienvenida is a welcome reception. Note the written accent on the first syllable, which is standard in Spanish orthography for this borrowing. The plural is cócteles (preferred by the RAE) though cóctels appears colloquially. Cóctel de gambas (prawn cocktail) is a common food use.
Examples
"El bar prepara un cóctel de frutas excelente."
Natural Translation
The bar makes an excellent fruit cocktail.
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