Toddler's request, perhaps — a stiff drink? (4-2-2)
I believe the answer is:
pick-me-up
'stiff drink?' is the definition.
(pick-me-up can mean a drink giving you energy)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
(Other definitions for pick-me-up that I've seen before include "Medicinal tonic" , "A tonic to restore health or relieve depression" , "I could do with a lift" , "A restorative tonic drink" , "Stimulant" .)