Crossword Genius

Drink provided for detectives with hesitation (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cider

'drink' is the definition.
(cider is a kind of drink)

'detectives with hesitation' is the wordplay.
'detectives' becomes 'CID' (abbreviation for Criminal Investigation Department).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'hesitation' becomes 'er' (sound made while hesitating - um, er).
'cid'+'er'='CIDER'

'provided for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for cider that I've seen before include "Apple-based beverage" , "Alcoholic drink made from apples" , "Apple-based drink" , "Drink made from pears" , "Beverage from apple juice" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.