Crossword Genius

Drunk drinking fine without alcohol (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

soft

'without alcohol' is the definition.
(as in a soft drink)

'drunk drinking fine' is the wordplay.
'drunk' becomes 'sot' (synonyms).
'drinking' indicates putting letters inside.
'fine' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'sot' going around 'f' is 'SOFT'.

(Other definitions for soft that I've seen before include "Easy to mould or cut" , "Gentle; non-alcoholic" , "(Of drink) not alcoholic" , "Not hard, rough or harsh" , "Yielding, easily cut" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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