Drink in clubs - may attempt to return (6)
I believe the answer is:
cognac
'drink' is the definition.
(Cognac is an example)
'clubs may attempt to return' is the wordplay.
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used in card games such as bridge).
'may' becomes 'can' (synonyms).
'attempt' becomes 'go' (go is a kind of attempt).
'to return' says the letters should be written backwards.
'can'+'go'='cango'
'cango' written backwards gives 'ognac'.
'c'+'ognac'='COGNAC'
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for cognac that I've seen before include "(French district famed for) fine brandy" , "High quality brandy" , "Brandy of the French Charente" , "Liquor" , "strong drink" .)