Alcohol has a history as often being a good alternative to water, because water supplies (especially in cities) were of unreliable quality before modern safety measures . But in those days, people had watered down versions of what we drink today. You can find a range of fairly strong beer and spirits and it's easy to overdo it. I gave it up at age 50 when I realized it was wrecking my sleep, and I don't miss it (much).