Tom and Jerry Cocktail Drink

Tom and Jerry

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you’re looking for a classic winter cocktail, the Tom and Jerry drink recipe has all the right ingredients. It’s a delightful drink that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly evenings.

Tom and Jerry Recipe

Warm up with this classic Tom and Jerry recipe! This cozy cocktail is a winter delight made with brandy, dark rum, and a spiced egg mixture.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

2 minutes

Servings:

1

Calories:

314 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 4 oz milk, hot
  • Grated nutmeg, for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Mug or Heatproof Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Egg Mixture: In the mixing bowl add 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 pinch ground cinnamon, 1 pinch ground cloves, and 1 pinch ground nutmeg. Mix well.
  • Whip Egg White: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg white until stiff peaks form.
  • Combine: Gently fold the egg white into the yolk mixture and mix.
  • Add Spirits: Pour 1 oz Brandy and 1 oz Dark Rum into a mug or heatproof glass.
  • Heat Milk: Warm 4 oz milk until it's hot but not boiling.
  • Mix and Serve: Pour the hot milk over the spirits, then add on top the egg mixture. Garnish with grated nutmeg. Enjoy!

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: I've swapped brandy with cognac or even whiskey. Both give a different depth of flavor but are delightful.
  • Dark Rum: Light rum or spiced rum can be used. Spiced rum adds an extra layer of warmth and spice.
  • Hot Milk: Almond milk or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives. They change the texture slightly but still provide a creamy base.

Making a Pitcher of Tom and Jerry Drink:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 8 oz of brandy, 8 oz of dark rum, 8 eggs, and so on.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the spirits, hot milk, and egg. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour into individual mugs, garnish with grated nutmeg, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Use apple juice or grape juice for a fruity twist.
  • Dark Rum Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic dark rum alternative or mix vanilla extract and water.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Egg Substitute: Aquafaba (chickpea water) is a fantastic vegan alternative to egg whites. Use 3 tbsp of aquafaba to replace one egg white. A mix of 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast and 1 tbsp of unsweetened plant milk can work for the yolk.
  • Milk Substitute: Opt for almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
314
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Trans Fat
 
0.02
g
Sodium
 
107
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
 
18
g
6
%
Fiber
 
0.3
g
1
%
Sugar
 
18
g
20
%
Potassium
 
238
mg
7
%
Cholesterol
 
177
mg
59
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Vitamin A
 
423
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
0.04
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
169
mg
17
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Tom and Jerry Cocktail Drink

Tom and Jerry Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Warm up with this classic Tom and Jerry recipe! This cozy cocktail is a winter delight made with brandy, dark rum, and a spiced egg mixture.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 314

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 4 oz milk - hot
  • Grated nutmeg - for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Mug or Heatproof Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Egg Mixture: In the mixing bowl add 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 pinch ground cinnamon, 1 pinch ground cloves, and 1 pinch ground nutmeg. Mix well.
  • Whip Egg White: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg white until stiff peaks form.
  • Combine: Gently fold the egg white into the yolk mixture and mix.
  • Add Spirits: Pour 1 oz Brandy and 1 oz Dark Rum into a mug or heatproof glass.
  • Heat Milk: Warm 4 oz milk until it's hot but not boiling.
  • Mix and Serve: Pour the hot milk over the spirits, then add on top the egg mixture. Garnish with grated nutmeg. Enjoy!

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: I've swapped brandy with cognac or even whiskey. Both give a different depth of flavor but are delightful.
  • Dark Rum: Light rum or spiced rum can be used. Spiced rum adds an extra layer of warmth and spice.
  • Hot Milk: Almond milk or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives. They change the texture slightly but still provide a creamy base.

Making a Pitcher of Tom and Jerry Drink:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 8 oz of brandy, 8 oz of dark rum, 8 eggs, and so on.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the spirits, hot milk, and egg. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour into individual mugs, garnish with grated nutmeg, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Use apple juice or grape juice for a fruity twist.
  • Dark Rum Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic dark rum alternative or mix vanilla extract and water.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Egg Substitute: Aquafaba (chickpea water) is a fantastic vegan alternative to egg whites. Use 3 tbsp of aquafaba to replace one egg white. A mix of 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast and 1 tbsp of unsweetened plant milk can work for the yolk.
  • Milk Substitute: Opt for almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice.

What is a Tom and Jerry drink?

A Tom and Jerry drink is a cocktail that combines brandy, dark rum, and a spiced egg mixture. Many consider it a holiday staple, reminiscent of eggnog but with its unique twist. The drink’s origin traces back to the 19th century, and despite its vintage roots, it remains a favorite in colder months.

A side shot of a Tom and Jerry cocktail in a mug on a white table surrounded by cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar, with some plant leaves on a side, in front of a blue wall.

What is a Tom and Jerry drink made of – The ingredients

Before you start mixing your Tom and Jerry drink, prepare the following:

  • Brandy: A distilled wine that adds warmth and depth to the drink.
  • Dark Rum: A rich spirit that contributes a molasses-like sweetness and complexity.
  • Egg: Separated into yolk and white, it provides both richness (from the yolk) and frothiness (from the whipped white).
  • Sugar: Sweetens the drink and balances the strong flavors of the spirits.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg: Spices that infuse the drink with a festive, aromatic warmth.
  • Hot Milk: Adds creaminess and warmth, making the drink smooth and comforting.
  • Grated nutmeg (for garnish): A finishing touch that enhances the drink’s aromatic appeal.

Dark rum, brandy, egg, sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves and nutmeg and milk laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Tom and Jerry drink?

Learn to make your own Tom and Jerry drink with our step-by-step guide:

1
<p>Separate the egg white from the yolk of an egg, and put it in a bowl.</p>

Separate the egg white from the yolk of an egg, and put it in a bowl.

2
<p>Put the yolk of the egg in another bowl.</p>

Put the yolk of the egg in another bowl.

3
<p>Add sugar to the yolk.</p>

Add sugar to the yolk.

4
<p>Add a pinch of cinnamon to the yolk.</p>

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the yolk.

5
<p>Mix well both ingredients with the yolk.</p>

Mix well both ingredients with the yolk.

6
<p>In the other bowl, whisk the egg white until you achieve stiff peaks.</p>

In the other bowl, whisk the egg white until you achieve stiff peaks.

7
<p>Gently fold the whipped egg white into the yolk mixture.</p>

Gently fold the whipped egg white into the yolk mixture.

8
<p>Mix them together, ensuring a smooth blend.</p>

Mix them together, ensuring a smooth blend.

9
<p>Pour dark rum into a mug or heatproof glass.</p>

Pour dark rum into a mug or heatproof glass.

10
<p>Also, pour brandy into the glass.</p>

Also, pour brandy into the glass.

11
<p>Warm the milk until it’s hot but not boiling and pour it over the spirits in the mug or glass.</p>

Warm the milk until it’s hot but not boiling and pour it over the spirits in the mug or glass.

12
<p>Add the combined egg mixture to the drink.</p>

Add the combined egg mixture to the drink.

13
<p>Garnish the top with grated nutmeg.</p>

Garnish the top with grated nutmeg.

14
<p>Enjoy your Tom and Jerry cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Tom and Jerry cocktail!

What is the difference between Eggnog and Tom and Jerry?

Eggnog and Tom and Jerry celebrate the festive spirit with their creamy and spiced profiles, but they differ. Eggnog traditionally uses a base of milk or cream, sugar, and whipped eggs and often incorporates bourbon, rum, or cognac. Its texture is creamy and can be served either cold or warm, often with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. On the other hand, Tom and Jerry rely on a spiced egg mixture combined with brandy and dark rum. It’s typically served warm, making it a favorite for cold winter nights. While they share some similarities, their ingredients, preparation, and serving methods set them apart.

Non-alcoholic Tom and Jerry drink

The virgin Tom and Jerry captures the warmth and spice of its boozy counterpart without the alcohol. To make this family-friendly version, omit the brandy and dark rum. Instead, boost the flavor with more aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. For that hint of depth spirits usually provide, a splash of vanilla or almond extract can work wonders. Serve it warm, ensuring it remains a comforting choice for chilly evenings. 

Tom and Jerry drink with Whiskey

A Tom and Jerry with whiskey is a variation of the traditional Tom and Jerry drink, where whiskey replaces the usual brandy and dark rum. This swap introduces a smoky, caramel undertone to the cocktail. While the core elements of the spiced egg mixture and warm milk remain consistent, the whiskey provides a distinct depth of flavor, making it a favorite for those who appreciate the nuances of whiskey.

A side shot of a Tom and Jerry cocktail in a mug on a white table with some plant leaves on a side, in front of a blue wall.

History and Origins of the Tom and Jerry Drink

The Tom and Jerry has its roots in the 19th century, with its origin often attributed to the British journalist Pierce Egan. Egan wrote a play in the 1820s titled “Life in London,” which featured characters named Tom and Jerry. Egan introduced this warm, frothy drink to promote his work and named it after his main characters.

However, another theory suggests that the famous American bartender, Jerry Thomas, who authored the first bartender’s guide in 1862, played a role in popularizing the drink. Some believe he named the drink after himself and used “Tom” simply for alliteration.

Regardless of its origin, Tom and Jerry gained significant popularity in the United States, especially in the Midwest, during the holiday season. Its warm and comforting nature made it a favorite during cold winter months, and it remains a cherished tradition in many households.

Is Tom and Jerry a Wisconsin drink?

The Tom and Jerry holds a special place in the heart of Wisconsin. While its origins trace back to Britain and its popularization to the broader United States, Wisconsin has embraced this drink as a cherished winter tradition. Dive into any local bar or diner during the cold months, and you’ll likely find this warm, spiced concoction on the menu.

A Tom and Jerry cocktail, shot from above, in a mug on a white table surrounded by cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and a bar spoon, with some plant leaves on a side.

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FAQ

How many calories are typically in a Tom and Jerry drink?
A standard serving of Tom and Jerry contains approximately 250-300 calories, which can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
How strong is a Tom and Jerry cocktail in terms of alcohol content?
The strength of a Tom and Jerry largely depends on the alcohol used, but it typically ranges from 20-25% ABV (40-50 proof).
What type of alcohol is used in a Tom and Jerry?
The primary alcohols in Tom and Jerry are brandy and dark rum.
In which type of glass is a Tom and Jerry typically served?
It's traditionally served in a mug or heatproof glass.
What does a Tom and Jerry taste like?
The Tom and Jerry offers a creamy, spiced flavor profile with hints of sweetness from the rum and brandy, complemented by aromatic spices.
What is the typical ratio of ingredients in a Tom and Jerry?
The drink generally maintains a 1:1:1 ratio for brandy, dark rum, and the spiced egg mixture, with additional milk and spices to taste.
How is Tom and Jerry served in terms of temperature and ice?
The Tom and Jerry is served warm, without ice.

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