A friend brings drink back (3)

I believe the answer is:

pal

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'a friend' is the definition.
(pal is a kind of friend)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Brother" , "Mate, informal friend" , "Bud" , "China" , "Friend (colloq.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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