Crossword Genius

Friend's drink sent back (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'friend's' is the definition.
(pal can mean a friend)

'drink sent back' is the wordplay.
'drink' becomes 'lap' (to lap is to drink up).
'sent back' is a reversal indicator.
'lap' reversed gives 'PAL'.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Mate, buddy" , "Crony" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "Close friend" , "China" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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