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Aww, the holidays. What’s not to love…food, family, and fun! There’s no better way to celebrate than with a Tom and Jerry co*cktail. If you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry; you’re not alone. This warm and toasty drink has been in my husband’s family for generations. It can be enjoyed by young and old. Alcohol does not need to be added, but it sure makes it tasty.
However, I can guarantee you that this delicious co*cktail will become your family’s holiday favorite drink as it has for ours.
Tom and Jerry is a traditional Christmas co*cktail that dates back to the 19th century.
The Tom and Jerry co*cktail was first created in the early 19th century by Pierce Egan, an English journalist and writer known for his love of boxing and entertainment. In 1821, he published a book titled “Life in London,” which followed the adventures of a young man named Tom and his friend Jerry, who navigated the city’s rough and tumble entertainment scene. It was from these characters that Egan drew inspiration for the drink that would bear their names.
The Tom and Jerry co*cktail is a warm, frothy concoction made with rum, brandy, eggs, sugar, and warm milk or water, spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, and other flavorful ingredients. It was traditionally made in large batches, often served in a punch bowl, and topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This made it the perfect holiday beverage to share with family and friends, particularly during the cold winter.
Over the recent years, the Tom and Jerry co*cktail has lost popularity, being a little old-fashioned and the perception of having a lot of calories. I am sure a Tom and Jerry drink has no more calories than a holiday drink at the local coffee shop. But the holidays are the best time to enjoy this cozy winter co*cktail.As I like to believe, calories don’t really count this time of year….only because I hide my scale until the New Year.??
The Tom and Jerry co*cktail is compared to Eggnog by some. They do have similar ingredients. Eggnog is served cold, while the Tom and Jerry drink is served warm. Try this homemade Tom and Jerry drink, and you will be converted. It will become a holiday favorite for you and your family.
To make the drink, you need to create a batter that you’ll add to your mugs. Here’s what you need to do.
Ingredients:
- – 1 Box of Powered Sugar (1 lb)
- – 6 Eggs – Separated
- – 1/2 Cup Rum
- – 1 Teaspoon of Pure Vanilla
- – 1/2 Teaspoon of Ground Cloves
- – Optional: 1 Teaspoon of Cream of Tarter
- – Hot milk
- – Nutmeg
- – Optional: Whisky (can substitute with brandy or cognac)
Instructions to make Tom and Jerry batter
1. Separate egg whites and yolks and put each in a separate medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Mix the egg yolks with rum, powdered sugar, ground cloves, and vanilla. Optional: Leave rum out until the end if serving to non-alcohol drinkers.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. The cream of tarter is optional; you can beat the egg whites to stiff peaks without it, if preferred. This is controversial to my husband since his family did not add this egg stabilizer.
4. Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
This wonderful creamy, frothy Tom and Jerry batter is ready to use.
Keep unused batter in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Make a Tom and Jerry co*cktail Drink
1. In a large pan, heat the milk.
2. Warm mugs with hot water while the milk is warming.
3. Drop 2-4 tablespoons of the batter into the bottom of a mug, then add the warm milk and garnish with nutmeg.
Optional: Add whisky, brandy or cognac if you like.
Enjoythese yummy variations:
Substitute the warm milk with coffee or even hot chocolate.
Dairy intolerant? Substitute the warm milk for warm water.
Now that you know how to create the perfect Tom and Jerry co*cktail, it’s time to enjoy it! I suggest serving this delicious drink with desserts like apple pie or pecan pie. This drink also pairs well with a warm fireplace.
There you have it- a way to make your holiday gatherings special this year. Try making the Tom and Jerry co*cktail and enjoy watching your friends and family’s expressions once they try it. Trust me, this recipe is a classic for a reason. Add it to your family traditions, and make it your own.
If you have tried my husband’s family recipe, please comment at the bottom of this page.
Merry Christmas and Cheers!
Yvonne ♥
As a reminder: The USDA recommends thatonly pasteurizedeggs or egg products are used when preparing recipes that call for using eggs raw or undercooked.
Looking for another holiday favorite drink? Try my Hot Buttered Rum recipe.
Tom and Jerry co*cktail Recipe – How to Make and Enjoy
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Ingredients
- 1 Box Powdered Sugar 1 Lb
- 6 Eggs Separated
- ½ Cup Rum
- 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1 Teaspoon Cream of Tarter Optional
- Hot Milk
- Ground Nutmeg to Garnish
Instructions
Separate egg whites and yolks and put each in a separate medium-sized mixing bowl.
Mix the egg yolks with rum, powdered sugar, ground cloves, and vanilla. Optional: Leave rum out until the end if serving to non-alcohol drinkers.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. The cream of tarter is optional; you can beat the egg whites to stiff peaks without it, if preferred. This is controversial to my husband since his family did not add this egg stabilizer.
Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
To Make a Tom and Jerry co*cktail Drink
In a large pan, heat the milk.
Warm mugs with hot water while the milk is warming.
Drop 2-4 tablespoons of the batter into the bottom of a mug, then add the warm milk and garnish with nutmeg.
Optional: Add whisky, brandy or cognac if you like.
Notes
Keep unused batter in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Enjoythese yummy variations:
Substitute the warm milk with coffee or even hot chocolate.
Dairy intolerant? Substitute the warm milk for warm water.
Yvonne Gallia
Hi! I am Yvonne. At Our Country Life we celebrate a simpler life with home cooking, gardening, preserving, raising livestock, farming, designing, and decorating a country farmhouse. Thank you for visiting, follow me on Pinterest and subscribe to my email newsletter. I appreciate you spending time on and supporting my site.♥ Submit Comments at the bottom of this page.
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