Crossword Genius

Drink up, chum (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'chum' is the definition.
(both can mean a friend)

'drink up' is the wordplay.
'drink' becomes 'lap' (lap can mean to drink).
'up' says the letters should be written backwards (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'lap' back-to-front is 'PAL'.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Buddy, chum" , "Bud" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "China" , "Crony" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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