Crossword Genius

Natural pockets of drink in distant seas? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marsupia

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

'natural pockets' is the definition.
'marsupia' can be an answer for 'pockets' (marsupium is a kind of pocket). I am unsure of the 'natural' bit.

'drink in distant seas?' is the wordplay.
'drink' becomes 'sup' (to sup is to drink).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'distant seas?' becomes 'maria' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'sup' placed into 'maria' is 'MARSUPIA'.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

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