The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word CYDER
C
Y
D
E
R
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "strong drink" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case strong drink = cyder.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CYDER mean?
CYDER noun- An alcoholic, often sparkling (carbonated) beverage made from fermented apples; hard cider; apple cider
- A non-alcoholic still beverage consisting of the juice of early-harvest apples, usually unfiltered and still containing pulp; apple cider; sweet cider (without pulp such a beverage is called apple juice).
- A non-alcoholic carbonated beverage made from apples.
- (in Korea) A non-alcoholic drink, normally carbonated; equivalent to soft drink.
- A cup, glass or serving of any of these beverages.