Tom & Jerry Cocktail Recipe
Tom & Jerry Cocktail Recipe

Tom & Jerry

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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.

OXO SteeL Double Jigger
OXO SteeL Double Jigger
Two sided – flip for different measurements; Soft, non-slip grip for comfortable pouring; Permanent laser-etched measurements won’t wear off
$11.99 Amazon Prime
OXO Silicone Spatula Kitchen Tools, 0.8 x 1.2 x 11.1 inches, White/Black
OXO Silicone Spatula Kitchen Tools, 0.8 x 1.2 x 11.1 inches, White/Black
Heat resistant to 600 degrees Fahrenheit; Safe for coated or non-stick cookware and bakeware
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, 2.9, 8 Piece
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, 2.9, 8 Piece
Set includes: 1/4 Cup, 1/3 Cup, 1/2 Cup, 1 Cup, 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp and 1 T Spoons; Handles feature permanent, etched measurement markings
$33.30 Amazon Prime
NEW OXO Good Grips Grater, Stainless Steel, Black
NEW OXO Good Grips Grater, Stainless Steel, Black
Sharp, bi-directional, stainless steel grating surface for fast, easy grating; Non-slip foot provides control while grating
$14.75 Amazon Prime
Sale
Libbey Irish Coffee Mug, 1 Count , Clear
Libbey Irish Coffee Mug, 1 Count , Clear
0ne, 8.5 Oz clear glass irish coffee mug
$20.04 Amazon Prime
Libbey 5304 10 Oz. Irish Coffee Mug - 12 / CS
Libbey 5304 10 Oz. Irish Coffee Mug – 12 / CS
Model : 5304; Use Traex rack TR-6BB with this Irish Coffee Mug
$31.89 Amazon Prime

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 Cocktail Recipe

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.

Sale
The Bartender's Guide: How to Mix Drinks: A Bon Vivant's Companion
The Bartender’s Guide: How to Mix Drinks: A Bon Vivant’s Companion
First cocktail book ever published.; Reproduction of 1862 edition. Hardcover, 272 pages.; New introduction and appendix by David Wondrich.
$37.95 Amazon Prime

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.

Prep Time 3 mins Assembly Time 7 mins Total Time 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 14 Best Season: Christmas

Ingredients

Method

  1. Add milk, rum, and brandy to a saucepan.

  2. Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes while stirring until mixture is warmed through.

  3. Scoop 2 TBSP batter into mugs.

  4. Top with 3-4 oz warm mixture.

  5. Stir for 3-5 seconds.

  6. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
How do I make this cocktail recipe non-alcoholic?

Use Caleño Dark & Spicy Tropical Non-Alcoholic Spirit in place of the rum and Escape Mocktails Non-Alcoholic Cognac Alternative in place of the brandy to try a mocktail version of this drink.

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About The Author

Kendall is the creator of Novel Nightcaps, a mixology blog chronicling recipes she tries from her cocktail book collection.