Drink before a meal (8)
I believe the answer is:
aperitif
'drink before a meal' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for aperitif that I've seen before include "Appetite stimulant drink" , "If pirate may have a drink before dinner?" , "Pre-nosh tipple?" , "wine, possibly, before meal" , "Alcoholic drink to whet the appetite" .)