This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.
Cocktail History
The Tom & Jerry is a Christmas cocktail that rose to prominence in the United States after bartender Jerry Thomas published the recipe in his 1862 book The Bartender’s Guide: How to Mix Drinks. Though its popularity has waned over the years, the drink remains a cherished tradition in parts of the Midwest at Christmastime where it’s considered an alternative take on boozy eggnog. It features a rich, frothy batter made with eggs, sugar, and spices, which is mixed with warm milk and a split base of spiced rum and brandy. Finished with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top, this decadent beverage is served warm, making it an indulgent and comforting choice for chilly winter nights.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Tom & Jerry Batter: This is a mixture of egg yolk, egg white, powdered sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, and baking spices that has been whipped into a batter. I used Mrs. Bowen’s Tom & Jerry Mix.
Milk: This is a nutrient-rich liquid that’s produced by mammals and is high in calcium, protein, and vitamin content. I used Prairie Farm Vitamin D Whole Milk.
Spiced Rum: This is a type of rum made with sugarcane, spices, and water that has been barrel aged for a long period of time and flavored with spices. I used Far North Spirits Ålander Spiced Rum.
Brandy: This is a spirit made with distilled white wine or fruit mash. I used St-Rémy V.S.O.P French Brandy.
Grated Nutmeg: This is a spice made from the seed of a nutmeg tree. I used Frontier Co-op Whole Nutmeg.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Saucepan: This is a deep cooking pot with a long handle and lid that’s used for simmering, boiling, and cooking on the stovetop. I used the All-Clad 3-Ply Stainless Steel 3 Quart Sauce Pan.
Spatula: This is a flat, broad kitchen tool that’s used for flipping, scraping, and stirring. I used the OXO Silicone Spatula.
Measuring Cup: This is a kitchen tool with calibrated markings that’s used to measure precise volumes. I use the OXO 8 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set.
Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring, layering, and reaching the bottom of tall cocktail glasses. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Grater: This is a tool that’s used to finely shred or zest ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips Grater.
Irish Coffee Mug: This is a heat-resistant glass mug with a sturdy handle and footed base that’s used to serve warm drinks. I used the Libbey Irish Coffee Mug.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-02-14.

Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Creamy white color
• Aroma: Nutmeg and egg
• Taste: Spicy rum and brandy flavor with sweet cookie batter
• Finish: Warm spices
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “This is a drink for all the cookie dough eaters out there! I had never heard of this Midwestern holiday staple until moving here several years ago. I wouldn’t have them very often because they’re heavy on the dairy (and calories), but I do love sneaking at least one in at Christmas. This classic version is sweet, thick, and creamy—just what you want to fill you up on a cold winter night while the Christmas tunes play on your record player. If you’ve never had a Tom & Jerry, try to find some batter and make some at home so you can try it at least once if you can. They’re a treat!”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Bartender’s Guide: How to Mix Drinks by Jerry Thomas.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-02-14.
Tom & Jerry
The Tom & Jerry is a Christmas cocktail that became prominent in the United States after bartender Jerry Thomas published the recipe in his 1862 book The Bartender's Guide: How to Mix Drinks. Now relatively unknown except for in the Midwest where it continues to be a Christmastime staple, it's essentially a spiked version of eggnog that mixes a thick egg-based batter with a split base of spiced rum and brandy, milk, and nutmeg.

Ingredients
Method
-
Add milk, rum, and brandy to a saucepan.
-
Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes while stirring until mixture is warmed through.
-
Scoop 2 TBSP batter into mugs.
-
Top with 3-4 oz warm mixture.
-
Stir for 3-5 seconds.
-
Garnish with grated nutmeg.