How to Say "mixed drink" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “mixed drink” is “combinado” — use 'combinado' when you mean a simple mix of a spirit (like rum, vodka, gin) with a non-alcoholic beverage such as soda, juice, or tonic water..
combinado
/kom-bee-NAH-doh//kombiˈnaðo/
Examples
¿Quieres una cerveza o un combinado?
Do you want a beer or a mixed drink?
Pedí un plato combinado de filete, huevos y patatas.
I ordered a combination plate of steak, eggs, and fries.
En esta fiesta solo sirven combinados.
They only serve mixed drinks at this party.
Always Masculine as a Noun
When you are talking about a drink or a plate of food, 'combinado' is a noun and is always masculine (un combinado), regardless of the gender of the ingredients.
Mistaking it for a Fancy Cocktail
Mistake: “Using 'combinado' for a complex martini.”
Correction: In Spain, a 'combinado' usually refers to a simple mix of one spirit and one soda (like a Gin and Tonic). Use 'cóctel' for more complex recipes.
trago
/TRAH-goh//ˈtɾa.ɣo/
Examples
Pedimos dos tragos de ron y una cerveza.
We ordered two rum drinks and a beer.
Después de un largo día, solo quiero un trago fuerte.
After a long day, I just want a strong drink.
¿Quién paga los tragos de esta noche?
Who is paying for the drinks tonight?
Plural Use
When talking about having multiple alcoholic beverages, you almost always use the plural: 'unos tragos'.
Confusion with Drink
Mistake: “Using 'trago' when you mean a non-alcoholic beverage like juice or soda.”
Correction: Use 'bebida' or 'refresco' for non-alcoholic drinks. 'Trago' implies alcohol in social settings.
Combinado vs. Trago
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