Crossword Genius

Singer in need of whiskey getting larger bottles (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

waxwing

'singer' is the definition.
(songbird)

'whiskey getting larger bottles' is the wordplay.
'whiskey' becomes 'w' (alpha bravo charlie delta ...).
'getting larger' becomes 'waxing'.
'bottles' indicates putting letters inside ('bottle' can mean to contain).
'w' placed within 'waxing' is 'WAXWING'.

'in need of' acts as a link.

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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