What type of drink is a Mimosa considered?

A Mimosa is classified as a cocktail primarily because it combines multiple ingredients to create a specific drink. Typically, a Mimosa is made by mixing equal parts of champagne (or sparkling wine) and citrus juice, most commonly orange juice. This combination of different components to create a flavorful and refreshing drink aligns with the definition of a cocktail, which is defined as a beverage that is a combination of various ingredients, often including spirits, mixers, and flavors.

While a Mimosa is indeed a mixed drink in a broader sense, that term encompasses a larger category of beverages, whereas "cocktail" specifically refers to those drinks that involve alcohol. The other options, such as shot and sparkling beverage, don’t adequately capture the essence of what a Mimosa is. A shot refers to a small amount of liquor served straight or in a single drink, while a sparkling beverage could refer to any drink with bubbles, not necessarily one that includes the cocktail-making process. Thus, describing a Mimosa as a cocktail best represents its nature and preparation.