Parched, swallowing cold bitter (5)

I believe the answer is:

acrid

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'bitter' is the definition.
(I know that bitter can be written as acrid)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for acrid that I've seen before include "Nastily pungent" , "Unpleasantly bitter" , "Having a bitter smell or taste" , "Sharp - biting" , "Strong and sharp" .)

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

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