It's served in the late afternoon (3)
I believe the answer is:
tea
'it's' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'in the late afternoon' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'TEA' is hidden in the letters of 'late afternoon'.
'served' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tea that I've seen before include "Assam, e.g." , "Light afternoon repast" , "This towel is for drying dishes" , "Refreshment" , "Beverage from leaves" .)