The Gipper’s Strength is a tribute to Ronald Reagan, affectionately known as “The Gipper.” Ronald Reagan earned the nickname “The Gipper” from his role in the 1940 film Knute Rockne, All American, where he portrayed George Gipp, a real-life Notre Dame football player. In the film, Gipp is a talented but ill-fated player who, on his deathbed, asks Coach Rockne to inspire the team with the words, “Win one for the Gipper.” Reagan’s portrayal was memorable, and the nickname stuck with him throughout his political career. “The Gipper” came to symbolize Reagan’s perseverance, leadership, and ability to inspire others, qualities that he carried into his presidency.

The cocktail takes inspiration from Reagan’s well-known fondness for jelly beans, as he often had a jar on his desk. The sweet and slightly tart notes of cherry, combined with the rich warmth of vanilla and bourbon, create a drink that embodies the optimism and charm that Reagan brought to the nation. This cocktail is a celebration of his legacy, capturing the essence of a leader who believed in the triumph of the American spirit.