Tom and Jerry Cocktail Recipe

This Tom and Jerry cocktail recipe is the perfect treat to keep you happy all holiday season long! You start with a delicious Tom and Jerry batter mixed with hot water or milk and just a splash (or two!) of spiced rum.

Are you looking for the BEST old-fashioned cocktail recipe?

Well, this Tom and Jerry batter recipe is just what you need!

If you have never heard of a Tom and Jerry cocktail, that’s because you’re likely not from the Midwest area of the United States!

This cocktail is very reminiscent of eggnog but made with a whipped egg white batter and combined with spiced rum and hot water to create a frothy mug of deliciousness.

You can also make this cocktail with hot milk to make it even more creamy!

Also, feel free to leave out the spiced rum if you do not consume alcohol.

For more eggnog inspired drinks try my Aged Eggnog, Eggnog Martini, Eggnog Whipped Coffee, or my Spiced Gingerbread Eggnog.

Ingredients for Tom and Jerry batter

• Eggs – This is the base of our batter. We use both the yolks and egg whites.
• Vanilla bean paste – You can use vanilla extract in place, but I love the flecks vanilla bean paste brings to this recipe.
• Spices – I’m using a mix of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.
• Cream of tartar – This helps stabilize the egg whites.
• Powdered sugar – This is the sweetener of choice for this batter.
• Spiced rum – Optional but tasty!
• Hot water – This is how you turn the batter into a cocktail!

How to make Tom and Jerry batter

This cocktail is so easy to make you’ll be shocked you haven’t been making it for years!

1. Add egg yolks in 1 medium-sized mixing bowl; in another medium-sized mixing bowl, add egg whites.
2. Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites and mix with a hand-held mixer until stiff peaks are formed.
3. Add vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg in the bowl with yolks. Whisk to combine.
4. Add half the powdered sugar to the yolks and mix until combined and smooth using the hand-held mixer.
5. Add the rest of the powdered sugar and try to combine the mixture. It will be very thick. This is normal.
6. To the egg yolk mixture, add half the egg whites and using the handheld mixer combine until smooth.
7. Fold in the remaining half of the egg white mixture.
8. The batter should now be licious and thick and can be stored for up to 3 days in the refridgetor.

Making and Tom and Jerry cocktail

Once you make your batter, now it’s time to turn it into a cocktail!

1. In a mug, add 2-4 tablespoons of your batter. The amount of batter you use will depend on the size of the mug you use and how strong of the egg batter flavor you’re craving. I prefer 4 tablespoons in an 8-ounce mug.
2. Very slowly pour in hot water while using a spoon to stir the mixture and the hot water together. If you skip this step you will curdle the mixture as it contains raw eggs.
3. If made correctly, the cocktail will have a nice foamy head and be completely smooth.

Why use cream of tartar

Cream of tartar, a powdered form of tartaric acid, is sometimes included in Tom and Jerry batter for a few reasons:

1. Stabilizing Egg Whites: Cream of tartar helps stabilize beaten egg whites. When egg whites are whipped, the cream of tartar helps create a more stable foam, which results in better structure and fluffiness. In the Tom and Jerry batter, this creates a frothy and light texture, contributing to the overall consistency of the drink.
2. Aiding in Volume: Adding cream of tartar to egg whites can increase their volume when whipped. This helps create a greater volume of froth in the batter, which is a characteristic feature of the Tom and Jerry cocktail.
3. Balancing pH: Cream of tartar can slightly alter the pH of the egg whites, making them more acidic. This acidity can help prevent overbeating or curdling of the egg whites, ensuring they maintain their desired texture when incorporated into the batter.

By using the cream of tartar in the batter, the aim is to produce a stable, airy, and frothy mixture that contributes to the unique texture and consistency of the Tom and Jerry cocktail.

History of the Tom and Jerry cocktail recipe

The Tom and Jerry cocktail has a delicious history dating back to the early 19th century.

It’s believed to have originated in the United States, specifically in the Northeastern and Midwest region, and gained popularity during the 1820s.

This warm, frothy, and spiced beverage was often associated with the winter holiday season and became a traditional Christmas drink. In fact, growing up in Ohio, this cocktail was a main part of our Christmas celebrations!

The cocktail gained widespread popularity in the 19th century, becoming a beloved holiday tradition in American households.

Over time, the popularity of the Tom and Jerry cocktail declined, especially with the rise of other modern cocktails. However, it has experienced periodic revivals, with some bars reintroducing it during the holiday season, celebrating its historical significance and nostalgic charm.

How to store leftover Tom and Jerry batter

Because this cocktail batter contains raw eggs you don’t want this batter sitting around too long.

Keep any leftover batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More holiday cocktail recipes

• Love an easy cocktail? Try my Eggnog Martini.
• Craving something a little different? Try my Aged Eggnog.
• Want something full of flavor? Try my Cranberry Gin Fizz.
• Need an easy holiday drink? Try my Gingerbread Martini.