Tom and Jerry

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What Is a Tom and Jerry?

The Tom and Jerry is a classic hot holiday cocktail made from a fluffy, spiced egg batter, a mix of brandy and dark rum, and hot milk or water. The batter, made from beaten egg yolks, sugar and warm spices folded into whipped egg whites, gives the drink a light, frothy, almost cloud-like texture. Think of it as a hot, airy cousin of eggnog, served in a mug and dusted with nutmeg.

In parts of the American Midwest, especially Wisconsin and Minnesota, the Tom and Jerry is a beloved Christmas tradition. Families bring out special punch bowls and matching mugs printed with "Tom & Jerry" in gold lettering, and stores stock ready-made batter during the holiday season.

A Brief History of the Tom and Jerry

Named for a Book, Not a Cartoon

The Tom and Jerry has nothing to do with the cartoon cat and mouse, which came along a century later. The drink is named after Jerry Hawthorn and Corinthian Tom, the two rowdy heroes of Pierce Egan's 1821 book Life in London, which was hugely popular and was adapted into a stage play. Egan is said to have promoted a drink named after his characters to publicize the book.

Jerry Thomas and America

The drink became famous in America in the nineteenth century, and was strongly associated with Jerry Thomas, the pioneering bartender who wrote one of the first cocktail books in 1862. Thomas liked to claim he invented it, but the drink almost certainly existed before him. By the late 1800s it was a standard winter drink in American bars, and it stayed popular well into the twentieth century. Damon Runyon even wrote a short story about it, "Dancing Dan's Christmas." For more on its long history, see the Tom and Jerry's Wikipedia entry.

Flavor Profile and What to Expect

A Tom and Jerry is warm, sweet, spiced and incredibly light. The batter gives a rich, custardy flavor and an airy, meringue-like foam on top. Brandy adds fruity warmth and rum adds molasses depth, while cinnamon, clove, allspice and nutmeg give it a festive, gingerbread-like aroma. Made with hot milk it's creamy and comforting, while hot water makes a lighter, more traditional drink where the spirits and spices shine.

How to Make the Batter

The batter is the heart of the drink, and it's easy to make. Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks with sugar and spices until they're pale and thick. Then, in a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whites into the yolks to make a light, fluffy batter. One egg makes enough batter for about two drinks. You can make a big bowl ahead for a party and keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a gentle whisk before using.

Since the batter contains raw egg, use the freshest eggs you can find, or choose pasteurized eggs if you're serving guests who may be vulnerable.

Popular Variations

Spirit Choices

The classic combination is brandy and dark rum in equal measure, but many Midwestern families use brandy alone, and bourbon or spiced rum also work well.

Milk or Water

Older recipes use hot water, which gives a lighter drink, while many modern recipes use hot milk for a creamier, more eggnog-like result. Try half and half if you can't decide.

Other Winter Warmers

If you love the Tom and Jerry, try other cold-weather classics like Hot Buttered Rum, the Hot Toddy and Mulled Wine. For chilled eggnog-style drinks, our Eggnog Martini and Milk Punch are great choices.

How to Serve a Tom and Jerry

Serve the Tom and Jerry in a warm mug or heatproof cup. Traditional Tom and Jerry sets include a large bowl for the batter and small, wide mugs. Warm the mugs with hot water first. Spoon in the batter, add the spirits, then slowly pour in hot milk or water while stirring so the batter dissolves into a frothy drink. Top with freshly grated nutmeg.

Making Tom and Jerrys for a Crowd

The Tom and Jerry is a great party drink because the batter can be made ahead. A dozen eggs makes enough batter for about two dozen drinks. Keep the batter in a large bowl set over ice, keep a pot of milk warm on the stove, and set out the brandy, rum and nutmeg so guests can help themselves. Re-whisk the batter gently every so often to keep it light.

Food Pairings and Occasions

The Tom and Jerry is made for the holidays. Serve it at Christmas parties, tree-trimming nights, New Year's Eve, or after a cold afternoon of sledding or skating. It pairs beautifully with Christmas cookies, gingerbread, fruitcake, cinnamon rolls and Christmas morning breakfast. Explore our Christmas cocktails for more festive ideas.

Why People Love the Tom and Jerry

For many families, the Tom and Jerry isn't just a drink. It's a tradition passed down through generations, tied to vintage punch bowls and holiday memories. It's warm, sweet and comforting, it's wonderful to share, and its frothy texture is unlike any other cocktail. For a detailed batch recipe, see Difford's Guide's Tom and Jerry guide.