Alongside cocktail, smart bottles (8)
I believe the answer is:
skirting
'alongside cocktail smart bottles' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'cocktail smart bottles' is the wordplay.
'cocktail' becomes 'kir' (I've seen this before).
'smart' becomes 'sting' (both can mean to burn or hurt).
'bottles' indicates putting letters inside (to bottle can mean to contain).
'kir' put into 'sting' is 'SKIRTING'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for skirting that I've seen before include "Board at base of wall" , "Going around the edge" , "Material" , "fabric" , "Avoiding the issue, or trying to" .)