Mead? Alas, turns out to be water (5,3)
I believe the answer is:
adams ale
'be water' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'mead? alas turns out' is the subsidiary indication.
'turns out' indicates an anagram.
'mead'+'alas'='meadalas'
'meadalas' with letters rearranged gives 'adamsale'.
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for adams ale that I've seen before include "Liquid refreshment" , "water instead" , "Water (humorous)" , "Relaxed, tolerant" , "Drink - a sad meal (anag)" .)