Crossword Genius

Changing hands: whiskey and soda? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lye

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

This might be a double definition.

'changing hands whiskey' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

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

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lye that I've seen before include "Solution obtained by leaching" , "Cleansing alkaline fluid" , "Alkali washing solution" , "Strongly alkaline wash" , "Alkaline liquid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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