Crossword Genius

The following drink (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chaser

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'drink' is the definition.
(as in a shot and chaser)

'the following' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'following' could be 'chase' (synonyms) and 'chase' is present in the answer.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chaser that I've seen before include "Huntsman" , "Milder drink taken after a stronger one" , "second drink" , "Drink following another of a different kind" , "Hunter; drink" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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