Crossword Genius

Thus fortify with alcohol for consolation (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

solace

'for consolation' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'thus fortify with alcohol' is the wordplay.
'thus' becomes 'so' (synonyms).
'fortify with alcohol' becomes 'lace' (as in lacing something with alcohol).
'so'+'lace'='SOLACE'

(Other definitions for solace that I've seen before include "Comfort in time of disappointment or sorrow" , "Comfort at a time of sadness" , "Comport" , "Kind of comfort - a close thing" , "console" .)

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