Crossword Genius

A drink to help make you alert (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ale

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'a drink' is the first definition.
(ale is a kind of drink)

'make you alert' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'to help' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ale that I've seen before include "Type of beer" , "English beer in sales" , "Beerlike beverage" , "Stout" , "brew" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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