Crossword Genius

Impressionist perhaps with it, given drink before dinner (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aperitif

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'drink before dinner' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'impressionist perhaps with it' is the wordplay.
'impressionist' becomes 'aper' (I've seen this in another clue).
'perhaps' becomes 'if' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'if' after 'it' is 'itif'.
'aper'+'itif'='APERITIF'

'given' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aperitif that I've seen before include "it's served before dinner" , "Pre-dinner drink" , "Stimulant taken before meal" , "Preprandial drink" , "An alcoholic drink before dinner, an appetiser" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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