Drink which comes before you, from what you hear (3)

I believe the answer is:

tea

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'drink' is the definition.
(tea is a drink)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for tea that I've seen before include "Refreshment" , "For Japanese ceremony" , "Oolong, for example" , "Darjeeling, e.g." , "A light meal - eat up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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