strong waters

Perhaps only through such filters as Alexander platz will Joyce's strong waters be made potable to the public.

From Time Magazine Archive

Helms alone does not drink strong waters of any kind.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is not ale, or strong waters, I promise you, that those gentles drink, but Priniac, Languedoc, Tent, Muscadine, Chiante, and Tokay—never a flask under the half-guinea.'

From Micah Clarke His Statement as made to his three grandchildren Joseph, Gervas and Reuben During the Hard Winter of 1734 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Running tackle is decidedly preferable for such deep, strong waters as those between Coldham Hall and Reedham. 

From The Handbook to the Rivers and Broads of Norfolk & Suffolk by G. Christopher Davies

Now 'twas selling them Necessaries for the voyage at exorbitant rates; or promising them, for cash in hand, to deliver them Luxuries, such as Tobacco, playing-cards, and strong waters, at the Port of Embarkation.

From The Strange Adventures of Captain Dangerous, Vol. 2 Who was a sailor, a soldier, a merchant, a spy, a slave among the moors... by George Augustus Sala