What is the Tom & Jerry Christmas Cocktail?
If you’re looking for a cozy, nostalgic holiday drink, the Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail is a perfect choice. This warm, spiced beverage features a creamy batter made from eggs, sugar, butter and festive spices, then mixed with hot milk (or milk + water) and rum and brandy. It’s often served in mugs with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
When you make this Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail, you bring a vintage holiday tradition to your home—rich, comforting and full of seasonal cheer.
Origin of the Tom & Jerry Christmas Cocktail
The Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail dates back to the early 19th century in the United States, and is considered by many a warmer, batter‑based cousin of eggnog.
The name “Tom & Jerry” is believed to have been inspired by the 1821 British book and stage play Life in London, or The Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn Esq and His Elegant Friend Corinthian Tom by Pierce Egan—the characters “Tom” and “Jerry” were used as the drink’s namesakes.
Another claim credits the American bartender Jerry Thomas for popularizing (though not necessarily inventing) the drink.
The Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail became a festive staple especially in the U.S. Midwest during cold winter nights.
Because of its association with the holiday season, making the cocktail adds a certain old‑world charm and tradition to your festivities.
Ingredients
(Makes about 6‑8 drinks depending on mug size)
For the Tom & Jerry batter:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup (about 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (about 120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
For each drink:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Tom & Jerry batter
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz brandy
- 4 to 6 oz hot milk (or a mix of hot milk + hot water)
- Nutmeg, for topping
Step‑by‑Step Directions & Preparation Method
Here’s how to make your cocktail from scratch:
1. Make the batter
- Begin by separating the egg whites from the yolks.
- In one bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form—set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick and pale.
- To that bowl, add the softened butter and the powdered sugar, and beat together until the mixture is fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and a pinch of salt; stir until everything is smooth.
- Now gently fold in the beaten egg whites into the yolk/butter/sugar/spice mixture. Folding means using a spatula and gently incorporating the whites without deflating them too much. The result should be a light, airy batter.
- Cover the batter and refrigerate. The batter stays good for up to 2‑3 days when properly stored in the fridge.
2. Assemble each drink
- Pre‑heat your mugs by pouring in hot water, then emptying them (this helps keep the drink warm).
- For each mug, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the Tom & Jerry batter.
- Pour in 1 oz dark rum + 1 oz brandy.
- Then pour in 4 to 6 oz hot milk (or hot milk + hot water mix) and stir until smooth, creamy and frothy.
- Finally, sprinkle a little freshly grated nutmeg on top for aroma and presentation.
- Serve the drink very warm. The cocktail is meant to be sipped while still hot.
Variations of the Tom & Jerry Christmas Cocktail
You can adapt this classic Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail in several fun ways:
- Safer No‑Raw‑Egg Version: If you prefer to skip raw eggs, you can make a batter alternative:
- 4 tbsp marshmallow fluff
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp cinnamon & nutmeg each
- Pinch of salt
Mix this in the mug with the rum/brandy + hot milk.
- Bourbon Version: Substitute bourbon instead of brandy (or rum) for a deeper caramel/dark‑spirit flavour.
- Gingerbread Tom & Jerry: Add 1 tbsp gingerbread syrup to the mug along with the batter & spirits to give that extra festive spice note.
- Single‑Serve Shortcut:
- 1 tbsp marshmallow fluff
- ½ tbsp butter
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla to taste
Then add rum/brandy + hot milk for a quick version of the Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail.
Each variation keeps the core spirit of the Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail—warm, spiced, creamy—but tailors it to your preference or convenience.
FAQs About the Tom & Jerry Christmas Cocktail
Q: Why is this Christmas cocktail tied to Christmas?
A: This Christmas cocktail is a warming, spiced, milk‑and‑egg based drink that became particularly popular in the cold winter months and at holiday gatherings. Its comfort factor and festive spices make it feel especially right for Christmas.
Q: Is it safe to use raw eggs in the Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail?
A: Using raw eggs does carry a small risk of salmonella or other food‑borne illness if the eggs or environment are not handled properly. To reduce risk: use very fresh, high‑quality eggs, keep the mixture cold, consume soon after preparation, and consider using the no‑raw‑egg version if you prefer.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time for the Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail?
A: Yes. The batter can be made ahead and refrigerated for 2‑3 days (when kept cold) and then used when you’re ready to serve. This makes it easier to enjoy the Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail when guests arrive.
Q: What type of mugs or vessels should I use for the Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail?
A: Ideally warm mugs or “toddy” glasses help maintain the drink’s temperature. Pre‑warming the mug by rinsing with hot water also helps keep the drink warm.
Q: Can I use other types of milk (like almond or oat milk) for the Tom & Jerry Christmas cocktail?
A: Yes—you can experiment with alternative milks. However, the texture and frothiness may vary compared to whole dairy milk. The classic Christmas cocktail uses hot milk (or a mixture of hot milk + hot water) for the best creamy frothy result.
Conclusion
Bringing together history, warmth, and the festive spirit, this recipe is a delightful choice for your holiday celebrations. With its spiced batter of eggs, butter, sugar and aromatic ground nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, combined with dark rum, brandy and hot milk, it delivers a rich, comforting drink that feels like a hug in a mug. Whether you follow the classic method or try a variation that suits your taste and dietary preferences, this cocktail adds a touch of tradition and elegance to your winter evenings. Embrace the joy of crafting something special, sip slowly, and enjoy the glow of holiday warmth with every frothy mouthful.
