Breathe erratically when swallowing a large hot drink (6,3)

I believe the answer is:

herbal tea

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'hot drink' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for herbal tea that I've seen before include "liquid concoction" , "hot drink" , "healthy drink" , "Plant infusion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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