Crossword Genius

Semi-verbal, say, after drinking too much of this? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vermouth

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'drinking too much of this?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'semi-verbal say after' is the wordplay.
'semi-verbal' becomes 'ver' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'say' becomes 'mouth' (I've seen this in other clues).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'ver'+'mouth'='VERMOUTH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vermouth that I've seen before include "Wine flavoured with aromatic herbs" , "Flavoured wine used in cocktails" , "Drink" , "It, possibly" , "Flavoured wine often mixed with gin" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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