Crossword Genius

Maine - small American state and drink from Mexico (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mescal

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

'drink from mexico' is the definition.
'mescal' can be an answer for 'drink' (mescal is a kind of drink). I am not sure about the 'from mexico' bit.

'maine small american state' is the wordplay.
'maine' becomes 'me'.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'american state' becomes 'cal' (I've seen this in other clues. I am not sure about the 'american' bit.**).
'me'+'s'+'cal'='MESCAL'

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mescal that I've seen before include "Drink distilled from agave" , "Colourless Mexican spirit made from plant sap" , "Intoxicant from agave" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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