Crossword Genius

Drink close to optic found in bar (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nightcap

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'drink' is the definition.
(I know that nightcap is a type of drink)

'close to optic found in bar' is the wordplay.
'close to' becomes 'nigh' (I've seen this in another clue).
'optic' becomes 'c' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'found in' indicates putting letters inside.
'bar' becomes 'tap' (short for taproom).
'c' placed inside 'tap' is 'tcap'.
'nigh'+'tcap'='NIGHTCAP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nightcap that I've seen before include "Head covering" , "A drink before sleep" , "Last drink before bed" , "late evening beverage" , "A drink before bed, wearing nocturnal headgear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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