Gets into a panic for first drinks (5)

I believe the answer is:

flaps

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

'gets into a panic' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'for first drinks' is the wordplay.
'for first' becomes 'f' (lst letter of 'for').
'drinks' becomes 'laps' (lapping is a kind of drinking).
'f'+'laps'='FLAPS'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app