Crossword Genius

Cream shown in one's cups (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pickled

'in one's cups' is the definition.
(informal term meaning drunk)

'cream shown' is the wordplay.
'cream' becomes 'pick' (both can mean the best of something).
'shown' becomes 'led'.
'pick'+'led'='PICKLED'

(Other definitions for pickled that I've seen before include "Preserved - drunk" , "Drunk (as a gherkin?)" , "Blotto" , "Preserved in vinegar or brine" , "Brahms and Liszt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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