When distilled drinks like rum and brandy became available to more people, they eventually began drinking them whenever and wherever to the extent that it became abnormal to not be drinking during social events.
Politics
Spirit's biggest political impact was in America. Distillers in North America started buying French molasses at a cheaper price than British molasses. Ignoring the law, Americans continued smuggling the molasses. This acted as a catalyst for the ever increasing tensions between the U.S. and Britain, to the point of revolution and war.
Economy
Distilled drinks replaced wine as payment for work due to it being cheaper, quicker to make, had a higher alcohol content, and lasting longer.
Culture
For a while, people believed that spirits had medicinal qualities. They also believed that the higher the alcohol content, the higher the healing properties. African slave traders traded slaves for products such as textiles, bowls, and jugs.