* Strange but strong alternative to it (3)
I believe the answer is:
rum
'strange' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rum that I've seen before include "Pirate's grog" , "Strange; spirit" , "Odd kind of drink for sailor" , "Odd sort of spirit used in grog" , "Unusual" .)