Crossword Genius

Auctioneer carelessly spilling sweetheart's drink (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cointreau

'drink' is the definition.
(type of liqueur)

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

(Other definitions for cointreau that I've seen before include "A sweet orange-flavoured liqueur for cautioner" , "Alcoholic drink" , "Sweet orange-flavoured colourless liqueur" , "Orange liqueur" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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