Crossword Genius

Very soft drink without fruit (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apple

'fruit' is the definition.
(I know that apple is a type of fruit)

'very soft drink without' is the wordplay.
'very soft' becomes 'pp' (musical abbreviation for pianissimo).
'drink' becomes 'ale' (type of beer).
'without' is an insertion indicator.
'pp' going within 'ale' is 'APPLE'.

(Other definitions for apple that I've seen before include "Sweet or tart fruit" , "Fruit that keeps doctor away?" , "Fruit with firm white flesh" , "award from Paris" , "Common fruit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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