The chancellor is traditionally allowed a drink of alcohol during the Budget speech, and while Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling both preferred mineral water, George Osborne may feel that the circumstances call for something a little stronger.

If he's looking for ideas, here's what his predecessors ordered:

Whisky (Kenneth Clarke)

Gin and tonic (Geoffrey Howe)

Brandy and water (Benjamin Disraeli)

Sherry and beaten egg (William Gladstone)

Spritzer (Nigel Lawson)

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