Zest got us excited (5)
I believe the answer is:
gusto
'zest' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'got us excited' is the wordplay.
'excited' indicates anagramming the letters.
'got'+'us'='gotus'
'gotus' is an anagram of 'GUSTO'.
(Other definitions for gusto that I've seen before include "Zest, zeal" , "Great enjoyment, vigour" , "Spirit" , "ardour" , "Vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment" .)