Tom and Jerry Cocktail Recipe

Tom and Jerry Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:18g

Protein:14g

Carbohydrates:34g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Tom and Jerry cocktail is a classic winter drink that dates back to the 1820s. It was created by British journalist Pierce Egan as a way to promote his book, 'Life in London'. The cocktail is named after the two main characters in the book, Tom and Jerry. Over the years, the drink has become a holiday favorite, especially in the United States and Canada.

  • The cocktail was popularized in the 19th and early 20th centuries
  • It is traditionally served in a special 'Tom and Jerry' mug or bowl
  • The drink has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with many bars offering it as a seasonal special

How Tom and Jerry Tastes?

The Tom and Jerry cocktail has a rich, creamy taste with a hint of sweetness. The combination of warm milk, sugar, and spices creates a comforting, velvety texture. The addition of rum and brandy gives the drink a warming, boozy kick.

Interesting facts about Tom and Jerry

  • The Tom and Jerry cocktail is often confused with the famous cartoon characters, but they are unrelated
  • The drink is sometimes compared to eggnog, but it has a lighter, frothier texture
  • The cocktail is traditionally served warm, making it a perfect winter beverage

Ingredients

Whole Milk

The base of our creamy concoction, whole milk offers that delightful velvety texture. If you skimp on the fat, you're just watering down the cheer! Skim milk just won't do—you need that 8oz of full-fat goodness to stand up to the booze.

Emma Rose

Eggs

The unsung heroes of the holiday cocktail scene. With 2 eggs, we're creating a silky foundation for the spices to swim in. Removing the eggs? Heresy! You'd end up with a sad, flat pirate's drink that'll have you walking the plank of flavorlessness.

Alex Green

Sugar

Sweetness personified, 2tbsp sugar is just enough to say 'I'm festive' without crossing into 'I'm a candy cane'. Go sugar-free and you'll be hosting a bland holiday indeed, but too much and you'll mask the beautiful nuances of our spiced friends.

Mary Mitkina

Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves

The spice trio! Half a teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg with a dash (0.25tsp) of ground cloves to bring the warmth. These spices are the soul of the drink—skip them and it's like Santa forgot your house. The balance is key; we're not making a pumpkin spice latte here.

Emma Rose

Dark Rum & Brandy

A jolly 1.5oz each of dark rum and brandy to provide that lovely winter hug. You can't have Tom without Jerry, or rum without brandy in this mix—they're like the jingle in your bells. Leave them out, and you're just drinking fancy milk.

Alex Green

Whipped Cream & Grated Nutmeg (Garnish)

The crowning glory! A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated nutmeg because we're fancy like that. Plus, the additional nutmeg hit at the end is like the star on top of the Christmas tree—it just needs to be there.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Tom and Jerry Drink

  1. Separate the egg yolks and whites into two bowls
  2. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy and light in color
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form
  4. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture
  5. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until steaming but not boiling
  6. Stir in the rum and brandy
  7. Pour the warm milk mixture over the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine
  8. Serve in a warm mug or special 'Tom and Jerry' bowl
  9. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated nutmeg

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh eggs for the best taste and texture
  • Heat the milk just until steaming, not boiling, to avoid curdling the eggs
  • Serve immediately after mixing for the best frothy texture

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Tom and Jerry is a warming, sweet, and spicy cocktail that's perfect for holiday gatherings and cold evenings. Here are some pairing suggestions:

  • Desserts: The sweetness of Tom and Jerry pairs nicely with desserts like Christmas cookies, fruitcake, or bread pudding.
  • Savory Snacks: Complement the cocktail's richness with savory snacks like roasted nuts, cheese boards, or mini quiches.
  • Chocolate: A classic match; enjoy with dark chocolate for a delightful contrast or with milk chocolate for a harmonious blend.

Drink Pairings

Given its dessert-like qualities, Tom and Jerry can be enjoyed on its own or with simple hot beverages to complement its warming effect:

  • Coffee: A cup of black coffee on the side can balance the sweetness.
  • Tea: A spiced chai tea can echo the spices in the cocktail.

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What you could change in Tom and Jerry

  • Whole milk can be replaced with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version
  • Dark rum can be substituted with bourbon or whiskey
  • Brandy can be replaced with cognac

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

Spiked Tom and Jerry

  • Substitute the dark rum and brandy with bourbon for a Kentucky twist. This adds an oaky depth that will have you saying 'Oh, Christmas Tree' with each sip.

Vegan Tom and Jerry

  • Replace whole milk with almond or coconut milk and use an egg substitute. Swap whipped cream with coconut whipped cream. This version might make Santa do a double-take, but it's a gift for our vegan friends.

Mocha Tom and Jerry

  • Add a shot of espresso and a hint of chocolate syrup. This twist will keep you up for Santa's arrival and might just replace your morning coffee during the holidays.

In case you forgot basics how to make Tom and Jerry

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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Frequently Asked Questions on Tom and Jerry

What is the ideal temperature to serve the Tom and Jerry cocktail?

The ideal temperature to serve the Tom and Jerry cocktail is warm, but not too hot as to preserve the alcohol in the cocktail and not overheat the eggs.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Tom and Jerry cocktail?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of this drink by replacing the rum and brandy with non-alcoholic substitutes like juice, coffee, or non-alcoholic rum extract.

What is the difference between a cocktail and a mocktail?

A cocktail generally contains alcohol, while a mocktail is a cocktail without alcohol. Mocktails are often made to resemble cocktails but use juice or soda in place of alcohol.

Can I store a pre-made Tom and Jerry mix?

It is not recommended as the mix contains eggs which can cause the mix to spoil. Always prepare a fresh mix for best taste and health safety.

What is the perfect pair to serve with Tom and Jerry cocktail?

Since it's a rich, creamy, and sweet beverage, pairing it with some spicy and savory finger food like cheese sticks, sliders, or even tacos would balance the flavors.

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