Crossword Genius

Drunken pirate provided opening shot (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aperitif

'opening shot' is the definition.
(alcohol drunk at the start of a meal)

'drunken pirate provided' is the wordplay.
'drunken' indicates an anagram.
'provided' becomes 'if' (eg 'provided it's sunny' means 'if it's sunny').
'pirate' is an anagram of 'aperit'.
'aperit'+'if'='APERITIF'

(Other definitions for aperitif that I've seen before include "Pre-nosh tipple?" , "An alcoholic drink before dinner, an appetiser" , "Preprandial tipple" , "Drink stimulating the appetite" , "Alcoholic drink before a meal, like sherry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
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