Samples of nuclides are dissolved or suspended in a `` cocktail '' . The `` cocktail '' is containing an aromatic solvent and small amounts of other additives known as fluors . Samples are dissolved or suspended in a `` cocktail '' containing an aromatic solvent ( historically benzene or toluene , but more recently less hazardous solvents have come into favor ) and small amounts of other additives known as fluors , i.e. , scintillants or scintillators .