Tom and Jerry: America's Classic Hot Holiday Cocktail

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Not the cartoon — the Tom and Jerry is a steaming hot cocktail that has warmed American winters since the 1800s. Built on a labor-intensive batter of eggs, sugar, and spice, mixed with rum and brandy and topped with hot milk, it is the definitive Christmas and New Year's drink of the Midwest.

The History

A Jerry Thomas Original

"Professor" Jerry Thomas, the father of American bartending, popularized the Tom and Jerry in the mid-1800s and featured it in his 1862 "How to Mix Drinks." The name may nod to Pierce Egan's 1821 sporting-life characters Tom and Jerry — or simply to Thomas himself. Either way, the drink became a holiday ritual.

A Midwest Tradition

While the rest of the country forgot it, Wisconsin and Minnesota kept the flame alive. There, Tom and Jerry batter appears in grocery stores every December, and families serve it on Christmas Eve and New Year's Day as a matter of tradition.

The Classic Recipe

The Batter (Makes About 12 Servings)

  • 6 eggs, separated
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Building the Batter

Whip the yolks. Beat the egg yolks with half the sugar until thick and pale. Add the spices, vanilla, and salt.

Whip the whites. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar to stiff peaks.

Fold gently. Fold the whites into the yolk mixture in three additions, keeping as much air as possible. Refrigerate — the batter keeps about a week.

Serving One Tom and Jerry

Place 2 tablespoons of batter in a warmed mug. Add 1 oz dark rum and 1 oz brandy or cognac. Fill with hot milk (or boiling water for a lighter version), stirring to dissolve the batter. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top.

Tips for Success

Keep the Batter Cold

Warm batter deflates and can taste eggy. Make it ahead, keep it refrigerated, and use it straight from the fridge.

Hot Milk vs. Hot Water

Hot milk makes a richer, almost eggnog-like drink. Hot water is the older, lighter style — closer to what 19th-century saloons served. Both are authentic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Tom and Jerry batter ahead of time?

Yes — the batter keeps for up to a week refrigerated in an airtight container. Some families freeze it in portions for the whole holiday season.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Absolutely. The spiced batter with hot milk alone makes a delicious holiday drink for kids and non-drinkers — essentially a spiced steamed milk.

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