Crossword Genius

Spikes drink to be imbibed by troublemakers (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impales

'spikes' is the definition.
('impale' can be a synonym of 'spike')

'drink to be imbibed by troublemakers' is the wordplay.
'drink' becomes 'ale' (ale is a kind of drink).
'to be imbibed by' indicates putting letters inside.
'troublemakers' becomes 'imps' (I've seen this before).
'ale' put within 'imps' is 'IMPALES'.

(Another definition for impales that I've seen is " Runs through".)

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