Rant about Chinese leader growing, maybe it’s the drink (6)

I believe the answer is:

elixir

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'the drink' is the definition.
(elixir is a kind of drink)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for elixir that I've seen before include "Magic cure-all" , "pick-me-up" , "Philosopher's stone" , "Drink once supposed to prolong life indefinitely" , "Drink that cures all ills" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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