Tom and Jerry

The Tom and Jerry is a traditional Christmastime beverage that is a delightful alternative to eggnog. It consists of a fluffy, sweet 'batter' made from beaten eggs, sugar, and spices. This batter is then combined in a mug with dark rum and brandy before being topped with hot milk or water, creating a frothy, warming, and comforting drink. It's like a warm, boozy hug in a mug, traditionally served at holiday gatherings to bring cheer and warmth.
Tom and Jerry

Preparation

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Tom and Jerry is a classic holiday cocktail, served hot. It falls into the category of rich, creamy drinks, often called punches or egg flips, traditionally enjoyed during the winter months. Its unique preparation makes it a standout in the world of warm alcoholic beverages.

Serving

This is a warm, medium-sized drink with a moderate alcohol content, best served in a pre-warmed mug or cup to maintain its temperature.
Serving size
Approximately 200-240 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-16% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Mug or Tom and Jerry Mug
Glass treatment
Pre-warmed with hot water

Backstory

Created in the 1820s by British journalist Pierce Egan, the drink was named after two characters in his book, 'Life in London'. Egan used it as a publicity tool for his work. American bartender 'Professor' Jerry Thomas later popularized the drink in the United States, claiming to have refined it. For decades, it was a staple of American Christmas celebrations, with dedicated punch bowl sets sold for its service.
Origin
United Kingdom, 1820s. The drink was popularized and became a holiday tradition in the United States during the mid-to-late 19th century.

Tom and Jerry

The drink is almost universally known as the Tom and Jerry. It is sometimes referred to as 'Hot Tom and Jerry' to emphasize its serving temperature, but this is not a distinct alternative name. The name originates from characters in an 1820s British book.
Original name
Tom and Jerry
Alternative name
Hot Tom and Jerry

Characteristics overview

The Tom and Jerry boasts a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, spicy flavor profile dominated by nutmeg and warm spirits. Its festive aroma and frothy appearance make it a quintessential warming winter beverage.
Flavor
Creamy, sweet, spicy, vanilla, nutmeg, rum, brandy, egg
Aroma
Nutmeg, allspice, milky, warm, boozy, sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, rich
Aftertaste
Long, warming, creamy, spicy
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Opaque, creamy, off-white, frothy top
Texture
Thick, frothy, creamy, smooth, rich
Seasonality
Warming, wintery, holiday drink

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is defined by its high levels of creaminess and sweetness, balanced by a notable baking spice character and moderate alcohol strength. It is a rich and flavorful, non-carbonated hot beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe involves making a large batch of batter from eggs, sugar, and spices, which is then used to create individual drinks with dark rum, cognac, and hot milk.
  • Large Eggs12
    Separated into yolks and whites. This will make a large batch of batter for approximately 20-30 drinks.
  • Superfine Sugar1 lb / 450 g
    For making the batter. Powdered sugar also works well.
  • Dark Rum1 oz / 30 ml
    This amount is per individual serving.
  • Cognac1 oz / 30 ml
    This amount is per individual serving. Good quality brandy can be substituted.
  • Vanilla Extract1 teaspoon
    Added to the batter for flavor depth.
  • Ground Nutmeg1/2 teaspoon
    For the batter. Additional nutmeg will be needed for garnish.
  • Ground Allspice1/2 teaspoon
    For the batter.
  • Ground Cloves1/2 teaspoon
    For the batter.
  • Hot Milk4-5 oz / 120-150 ml
    Per individual serving. Can be substituted with part hot water for a lighter drink.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

You will need an electric or stand mixer and several large bowls to prepare the batter. A saucepan is also needed to heat the milk for the final assembly of the drink.
  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer - for beating egg whites and yolks to the proper consistency.
  • Large bowls - for separating eggs and mixing batter components.
  • Spatula - for gently folding the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
  • Saucepan - for heating the milk before serving.

Instructions

The process involves creating a batter by beating egg yolks with sugar and spices, folding in stiffly beaten egg whites, and then combining a portion of this batter with spirits and hot milk in a pre-warmed mug.
1. Prepare the Batter (Yolks): In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the 12 egg yolks until they are pale yellow and light.
2. Add Sugar and Spices: Gradually add the sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to the yolks. Continue to beat on high speed until the mixture is very thick and forms a ribbon when the beater is lifted.
3. Prepare the Batter (Whites): In a separate, scrupulously clean bowl, beat the 12 egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks.
4. Combine Batter: Gently fold the stiffly beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix and deflate the whites. This is your Tom and Jerry batter.
5. Warm the Mug: Pour hot water into your serving mug to pre-warm it, then discard the water.
6. Assemble the Drink: Add 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons of the Tom and Jerry batter to the warmed mug.
7. Add Spirits: Pour in the dark rum and cognac over the batter and stir briefly.
8. Top with Hot Milk: Slowly pour in the steaming hot milk while stirring constantly to dissolve the batter and create a frothy, uniform drink.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a fresh grating of nutmeg on top and serve immediately with a small spoon.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of freshly grated nutmeg is traditional and essential, adding an aromatic appeal that enhances the drink's spicy, festive notes.
  • Freshly grated nutmeg - Grate a light dusting over the top of the finished drink's foam.

Dietary Information

This drink is vegetarian, gluten-free, and caffeine-free. It contains both dairy and eggs, making it unsuitable for vegans or those with these specific allergies.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a rich and indulgent drink, high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar due to the sweet batter and whole milk. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special holiday treat.
Calories
Averagely 350-450 kcal / 1465-1883 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 25-35 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25-35 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Tom and Jerry is quintessentially a holiday drink, perfect for Christmas parties and festive winter gatherings. It is an ideal choice for a cozy evening by the fire. Its warming properties make it a welcome treat after a day out in the cold.
  • Christmas
  • Holiday Party
  • Winter Gathering
  • Cozy Night In

Pairing suggestions

The Tom and Jerry pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday sweets that complement its spicy and creamy profile. Classic pairings include butter-rich Christmas cookies like shortbread and spiced treats like gingerbread. It also stands up well to the dense, fruity flavors of a traditional fruitcake.
  • Christmas cookies
  • Shortbread
  • Fruitcake
  • Gingerbread

Tom and Jerry: A Classic Winter Warmer

The Tom and Jerry is a classic, heartwarming holiday cocktail with a history stretching back to the 1820s. It is a rich and creamy concoction made from a distinctive egg-based batter, spiced and sweetened, then mixed with dark rum, cognac, and hot milk. While its preparation is more involved than a typical cocktail, requiring the creation of a stable batter, the result is a uniquely comforting and festive beverage. Served hot and garnished with nutmeg, it's the perfect drink to ward off winter's chill and celebrate the holiday season in style.

Similar Cocktails

Eggnog

Eggnog is similar but is typically made as a large batch with spirits mixed in, is often served cold, and is generally less frothy and lighter than a Tom and Jerry.

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