I just stumbled across this interesting verse. Growing up in a Baptist community, I was often told that, though Yeshua drank wine, it wasn't as strong as today's wine and was more like “grape juice.” Of course, over the years I've learned that way of thinking is partially incorrect, because the weaker wine of Yeshua's day was more like today's beer in alcohol content. So He still drank alcoholic beverages regularly.
But that's all something I knew before reading the verse below and not really why it stood out to me just now. The interesting thing about this verse is that not only does YHWH tell His people to drink wine (beer or “grape juice” if you still have reservations on that point), but He also says to drink “strong drink.” Our God has specifically encouraged the purchase and use of beverages with high alcohol content.
“ . . . and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household.”
In Deuteronomy 14:26, YHWH tells us to go ahead and enjoy the “strong drinks” as long as our hearts are in the right place—rejoicing before God. I'm honestly surprised I've never heard this verse mentioned before.