Tom and Jerry is a boozy, creamy, egg-based cocktail that combines brandy and rum with cinnamon, sugar, cloves, and nutmeg to create a delicious and memorable holiday treat. Prepared in batches and meant to be shared, the basic Tom and Jerry batter requires a bit of time to make, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
Bar Tools
- 1 SMALL MIXING BOWL
- 1 LARGE MIXING BOWL (or PUNCH BOWL)
- ELECTRIC MIXER
- MEASURING CUP
- MEASURING SPOONS
- JIGGER
- MILK FROTHER
- BARTENDER SPOON
To Serve: coffee mugs
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients (per batch – 8 to 10 servings):
- 8 RAW EGGS (pasteurized)
- ½ TEASPOON CREAM OF TARTAR
- 2 CUPS SUGAR
- 1 TSP. GROUND CLOVES
- 1 TSP. CINNAMON
- 1 TSP. NUTMEG
Drink Ingredients (per drink):
- ½ OZ BRANDY
- ½ OZ DARK RUM
- 2 OZ MILK (warmed or steamed)
To Garnish: milk foam and ground nutmeg
How to Make
- Carefully separate the eggs, placing the egg whites into the small mixing bowl and the egg yolks into the larger bowl (or punchbowl).
- Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites and beat at high speed until stiff peaks form (like a meringue).
- In the larger bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix on low speed until yolks, sugar and spices are silky smooth.
- Gently fold the stiffened egg whites into the egg yolk mixture.
- Warm your mugs by filling them with hot water; when the mug is warm to the touch, discard the water and add ½ oz rum, ½ oz cognac, and 4 ounces of Tom and Jerry batter.
- Stir to mix.
- Add in 2 ounces of warm milk, garnish with a dollop of milk foam and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg.
Nutrition Facts and ABV
- ABV (alcohol by volume): 5.7%
- Calories: 309 calories
- Total carbohydrates: 43.5 grams
- Total sugar: 43.5 grams
History
Jerry Thomas, the OG of bartending, is often credited with creating the Tom and Jerry cocktail in 1862; however, references to this holiday beverage go back as far as the 1820’s when it was also known as a Copenhagen. Jerry Thomas’s Tom and Jerry recipe called for the astonishing ratio of 5 pounds of sugar to 12 eggs. Fortunately, the recipe has evolved considerably – and the modern-day Tom and Jerry is a well-rounded cocktail that beautifully balances eggy creaminess with the rich flavors of rum, brandy and spices.
FAQ
What kind of milk works best?
You can use whole, 2% or skim milk. If you don’t wish to use dairy milk, unsweetened almond milk makes a good substitute.
What if I don’t have a milk steamer or frother?
You can warm the milk in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. The drink will be delicious even without the dollop of milk foam – and, if you warm the milk in the serving mugs, there’s no need to prewarm the mugs with hot water.