A relationship has been found between political orientation and the type of alcohol voters drink, according to research looking at the alcohol preferences of drinkers in America.

Democrats are more likely to consume lighter coloured liquors, such as vodka and gin, while Republicans prefer a tipple such as whiskey and other darker coloured alcohol, according to The Washington Post.

The research used data gathered by consumer group GFK MRI and was analysed by the National Media Research Planning and Placement, an Alexandria-based Republican consulting firm.

Lead researcher Jennifer Dube found Democrats preferred to sip on Grey Goose, Absolut and Smirnoff vodkas, while Republicans choose Jim Bean Whiskey and Wild Turkey as their favourite beverage.

The study also found alcohol preferences correlated closely to turnout patterns during elections. Wine drinkers are more likely to vote on election days, whereas – perhaps unsurprisingly – people who liked to shot Jagermeister, Tequila or Don Julio were on the whole less likely to turn out and vote.