In retrospect, freak dove straight into spirit (5)

I believe the answer is:

vodka

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

'spirit' is the definition.
(I know that vodka is a type of spirit)

'in retrospect freak dove straight' is the wordplay.
'VODKA' is hidden backwards in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

'into' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vodka that I've seen before include "Colourless alcoholic spirit associated with Russia" , "Russian tipple" , "shot?" , "Distilled spirit" , "Colourless liquor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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