What may sound like old law-maker's drink (4)

I believe the answer is:

mead

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'drink' is the definition.
(mead is a kind of drink)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for mead that I've seen before include "Alcohol" , "Alcoholic drink made with honey" , "Male shop worker" , "Cornish drink" , "Drink made of fermented honey and water" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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