Crossword Genius

Drink with cider, or a nip of something poisonous? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snakebite

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'poisonous?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'drink with cider or a nip of something' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'drink' could be 'it' and 'it' is found within the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for snakebite that I've seen before include "could prove lethal?" , "hooch" , "A venomous concoction" , "Drink made of lager and cider" , "may poison you" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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