Ulysses S. Grant – Alcohol

Though Grant has the most profound drinking reputation among presidents, he actually began his alcohol abuse long before being elected. While in the Army he was disciplined numerous times for drinking in excess. Even during his rise to fame during the Civil War, Grant would binge drink for entire days during battle and even more heavily after defeats. Adding to his reputation is the story that, while on his death bed, he was actually kept alive several minutes longer when the doctor gave him brandy.