The Classic Tom and Jerry Cocktail That’ll Warm You From the Inside Out
Don’t let the playful name fool you – the Tom and Jerry cocktail isn’t a cartoon-inspired mocktail for kids. This classic winter warmer is a seriously grown-up drink with roots dating back to the 1820s. Think of it as eggnog’s sophisticated older sibling: richer, boozier, and served piping hot to chase away the cold.
Made with a fluffy batter of beaten eggs and sugar, then spiked with rum and brandy, this festive cocktail delivers warmth and nostalgia in equal measure. While it may have faded from modern bar menus, the Tom and Jerry drink remains a beloved holiday tradition for those in the know.
Ready to discover why generations have sworn by this cozy concoction?
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This recipe is part of our favourite Christmas Cocktails series. You may also like to check out our non-alcoholic drinks collection for perfect Christmas Mocktails.
What is the Origin of the Tom and Jerry Cocktail?
The first mention of a Tom and Jerry drink dates back to 1820, and it is linked with author Pierce Egan.
Rumor has it that the drink was born as a way to promote Pierce Egan’s book “Life in London, or The Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn Esq and his Elegant Friend Corinthian Tom“, subsequently a stage play “Tom and Jerry, or life in London” which, as the title suggests, has two main characters called Tom and Jerry.
The Tom and Jerry Cocktail enters the drinks scene as a boozy eggnog variation with brandy & rum, served hot.
Did you associate this drink with the Tom and Jerry cartoon? So did we, until we researched and learned about its origin! The Tom and Jerry cat and mouse duo came to life much later, originating in the 1930s, and it is kid-friendly, unlike this drink!
Tom and Jerry Drink vs. Eggnog
A Tom and Jerry drink shares many similarities with traditional eggnog. However, in a Tom and Jerry cocktail, the taste of the egg is less pronounced. At the same time, the kick of the alcohol is unmistakable, two characteristics that make a Tom and Jerry often more popular with grown-ups than its classic counterpart.
Tools You Will Need for Making a Tom & Jerry
- Mixer with a whisk attachment or handheld whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Jigger
- Spatula for mixing
- Stirring spoon
- Grater for nutmeg garnish
- Heat-proof glass coffee cups, special Christmas mugs or mason jars to serve.
Find all our favourite tools for your home cocktail bar here.
Tom and Jerry Cocktail Ingredients and Process
A Tom & Jerry Cocktail is similar to hot buttered rum in that it also requires creating a spiced “batter” as its base. Therefore, it requires a bit of work!
Because of this, a Tom and Jerry is best prepared in advance rather than thought up on the spot!
However, it’s an easy drink to make as a large batch, so we’ll give a party-sized recipe here – you can cut it down or double it up depending on how many you’re serving!
You can mix and play around with the added spices and boozy quantities.
Top tip! A quicker and easier brandy-based drink if you need to think on your feet with basic home bar ingredients is the Brandy Alexander.
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Classic Christmas Tom and Jerry Cocktail
An exceptionally delicious and creamy boozy Christmas treat made from a spiced “batter”, rum & brandy, topped with milk & nutmeg.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24
Ingredients
For the spiced batter:
12 eggs
1/2 cup / 1 stick of butter (softened)
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
4 tablespoons dark rum
For the drink:
1 tablespoon of the batter
2 tablespoons dark rum
2 tablespoons cognac
1/2 cup milk
Ground nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Separate your egg yolks and egg whites
- Add your egg whites to a mixer and add the cream of tartar (or you can hand whisk). Blend gently until you have a meringue-like mixture with stiff peaks
- Separately, add your softened butter and sugar to the bowl of egg yolks and whip
- With a spatula, gently fold the egg yolks in with the egg whites
- Stir in your cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla
- The batter can now be stored cover in the fridge until ready to use
- Pre-heat the mugs/cups you will use to serve
- Pre-heat your desired quantity of milk (approximately 4oz per mug)
- To each mug, add a heaped tablespoon of the batter
- Add 1oz each of dark rum and brandy to each mug
- Fill each mug with hot milk, stirring until foamy
- Garnish with nutmeg
Notes
- Please note this recipe contains RAW EGG – beware of allergies and foodborne illness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
Further Variations on the Tom & Jerry
Brandy or Cognac?
Our classic recipe calls for cognac, but as discussed in our guide to cognac, it is still a type of brandy. There is no harm in interchangeably using a different kind of brandy; it doesn’t need to be top-shelf mixed in a cocktail.
Spiced Rum
I have suggested using dark rum, but another brilliant way to serve your Tom & Jerry is with spiced rum, yum!
Milk or Water?
If you are not a massive fan of hot milky drinks, the milk can be substituted, either for low-fat skinny milk or even hot water will suffice, but obviously, it will give you a slightly different end taste.
How Sweet Do You Like It?
We’ve seen recipes that recommend DOUBLE the quantity of sugar be added to the batter. It’s up to you, but I have found this too sweet.
How Do You Like It Served?
Our recipe would suggest a small coffee cup-sized serve; however, I know some like their Tom & Jerry big, creamy, and piled up high!
You could try mason jars with straws instead and double the quantity in each serve (just noting this then makes for one very large, boozy mug full! Drink Responsibly.
Tom & Jerry is a bit of a retro hit on the cocktail circuit, but I think it’s a great one to have in your Christmas Cocktail repertoire!
More Christmas Drink Ideas
As well as checking out our complete guide to Christmas cocktails, you may also be interested in my Christmas gift guides for drink-lovers. This section covers everything from stylish glassware for your drinks cabinet through to our favourite gifts for coffee-lovers.
If you’re still seeking out that perfect gift idea or stocking stuffer, pop on over for some inspiration here >>
Little Party Pixie advocates quality over quantity. Always drink responsibly!
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