Crossword Genius

Drink out of social expediency (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ale

'drink' is the definition.
(type of beer)

'of social expediency' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'ALE' is hidden within 'social expediency'.

'out' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ale that I've seen before include "The A in CAMRA" , "Beer procured in sales" , "festival" , "English beer, mild or bitter" , "Alcoholic drink" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Irish News.
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