Suppose in 1916, congress outlawed distilled liquor, but continued to tax beer and wine. The prohibition amendment never passes and many states still allow beer and wine.
1917: An alcoholic limit of 16.5% is set for marketable beverages because some marketers increase alcoholic content by freezing and skimming the water-rich ice.
1918: The distilleries lobby to sell watered-down liquor to comply with the alcoholic limit. Soft drink and juice packagers rush in to sell bottled, pre-mixed drinks.
1920's: Illegal whiskey remains isolated and spotty, as the Mafia is content with an unlimited supply of wine.
1930's: No legislation is passed to outlaw marijuana, as the law turns its effort to moonshine, heroin and cocaine.
1950's: Alcohol limit raised to 19%.
1965: Program established to license bartenders to use full-strength whiskey as long as the mixed drink complies the alcohol limit when served.
1966: A court case erupts as one bar attempts to serve a full-strength Martini, on the contention that the drink would comply with the alcohol limit if the ice is melted.
Now, for those of you overseas, how might such a scenario impact liquor laws worldwide? After all it was American marijuana laws that set the OTL precedent.