Crossword Genius

One alcoholic drink brought into exam? That's novel (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

original

'novel' is the definition.
('original' can be similar in meaning to 'novel')

'one alcoholic drink brought into exam?' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'alcoholic drink' becomes 'gin' (I've seen this before).
'brought into' indicates putting letters inside.
'exam?' becomes 'oral' (spoken academic test).
'i'+'gin'='igin'
'igin' inserted within 'oral' is 'ORIGINAL'.

'that's' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for original that I've seen before include "Archetype,master copy" , "Native" , "Person of marked individuality" , "Archetype, master copy" , "Primitive, earliest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app