North Korea’s late leader Kim Jong-Il was  reportedly the biggest client of cognac brand Hennessy and spent £700,000 on the drink.

The fact was dug out in research into leaders’ favourite tipple, which has suggested politicians success might have  something to do with their preferred drink.

Some of the UK’s top leaders have all opted  for whisky, while across the Atlantic in America, they have a sweeter tooth,  preferring a cocktail.

Whisky verses pints: Tony Blair was one of a number of  successful politicians who prefer to drink whisky, as opposed to John Prescott  who opted for a pint

The research, carried out by online drinks  firm 31DOVER.com, revealed that Churchill, Thatcher, Blair and Cameron have all  shown a mutual affection for whisky, with Churchill setting himself up for a day  of success by rounding off breakfast with a whiskey soda.

He was also partial to the odd drop of Pol  Roger, which led to Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill champagne being named after  him.

Tony Blair was a little more measured in his  love of his chosen liqueur as he was ‘never sure’ if his daily scotch before  dinner would be good or bad for him.

No such uncertainty for the late Margaret  Thatcher, whose fondness for Bell’s was legendary.

Whisky also worked its magic for the current  Prime Minister, though his taste is a little more expensive.

Expensive taste: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (R) was  reportedly the biggest single customer of Hennessy cognac. The late leader is  pictured in 2000 with then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung

David Cameron, who counts Thatcher as one of  his greatest inspirations, enjoys Bruichaladdich’s organic single malt, priced  at £41 a bottle.

While whisky has helped politicians prosper,  pints have led MPs to their peril, the researcher claim. John Major, David  Milliband and John Prescott all have a passion for a pint but have faced  troubles in their political career.

John Major famously presided over a string of  political embarrassments including the 1992 Black Wednesday financial collapse;  the older Milliband was defeated by his brother in the Labour party’s leadership  contest; and Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minister tried to resurrect his  political career but failed after losing out as then Police and Crime  commissioner.

Similar tastes: British Prime Minister David Cameron,  pictured last week in Kabul Afghanistan, likes to drink pricey whisky  Bruichaladdich, while Margaret Thatcher loved cheaper Bell’s

Famous teetotalers include former President  George W Bush and Adolph Hitler.

Presidential candidate Bill Clinton, pictured in 1992,  and the late President John F. Kennedy, in 1961, both enjoyed feminine  cocktails

David Laurie, chief executive of the online  drinks firm, said: ‘It’s interesting that so many famous political figures have  had such a strong penchant for a particular tipple.

‘Equally notable is that so many of them  drink or drank neat spirits which is a trend we’re seeing return among men and  women today.’

Read more: DailyMail