What best defines a cocktail?

A cocktail is best defined as a combination of two or more ingredients, which may include alcohol but can also feature non-alcoholic components. This comprehensive definition encompasses the wide variety of cocktails that exist, ranging from classic mixtures like Margaritas and Mojitos to modern creations that combine various flavors and textures. By acknowledging both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients, this definition allows for a broader understanding of what constitutes a cocktail, emphasizing the creativity involved in mixing flavors and the importance of balance in drink preparation.

Other options fall short of capturing the essence of a cocktail. For instance, defining it as a single alcoholic beverage limits the concept, as many cocktails are blends of multiple ingredients rather than just one. Similarly, a beverage made solely of fruit juice does not align with the definition of a cocktail, since it lacks the complexity that comes from mixing various components. Lastly, stating that a cocktail is merely a drink served in a decorative glass highlights a presentation aspect rather than focusing on the ingredients and preparation method that fundamentally define a cocktail.