Crossword Genius

Drink to the end of the rooster? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cocktail

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'the rooster?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'drink to the end' is the wordplay.
'drink to' becomes 'cock' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'the end' becomes 'tail' (tail is a kind of end).
'cock'+'tail'='COCKTAIL'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cocktail that I've seen before include "Mixed alcoholic drink or prawn appetiser" , "dish with prawn" , "Mixed beverage" , "Harvey Wallbanger, for example" , "Screwdriver, for instance" .)

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