Drunkards (5)
'drunkards' is the definition.
('sot' can be a synonym of 'drunkard')
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for sots that I've seen before include "Sponges" , "Habitual drunkards" , "Drunks" , "Boozers" , "Chronic drinkers" .)
(Other definitions for soaks that I've seen before include "Saturates" , "big downers" , "Drenches" .)