Can an alcoholic beverage be made with SALT WATER?

I'm sure it wouldn't taste good, and that doesn't matter (I'm writing a book)- I'd just like to know, from a strictly chemical standpoint, is it possible to make ethanol (alcohol) by way of fermentation and distillation using salt water instead of non-salt water? Again, taste and practicality don't matter. Just that it is scientifically possible and the result is something alcoholic and drinkable. Thanks.