Drink recipe · Batter – makes about 12 drinks
Tom & Jerry (Warm Holiday Cocktail)
The Tom and Jerry is a timeless holiday cocktail — a warm, frothy blend of spiced batter, rum, and brandy served in hot milk for the ultimate winter comfort. This old-fashioned Christmas favorite is rich, creamy, and easy to make, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in. With a make-ahead batter that stays stable for days, this creamy hot drink delivers nostalgic flavor and holiday cheer in every sip.
By TheKnird · October 25, 2025
The Tom and Jerry is a timeless holiday cocktail — a warm, frothy blend of spiced batter, rum, and brandy served in hot milk for the ultimate winter comfort. This old-fashioned Christmas favorite is rich, creamy, and easy to make, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in. With a make-ahead batter that stays stable for days, this creamy hot drink delivers nostalgic flavor and holiday cheer in every sip.
A creamy, old-fashioned holiday cocktail that’s been warming people up since the 1800s, the Tom and Jerry is a rich, spiced drink served hot with frothy sweetness and a touch of rum and brandy. This smaller-batch version is perfect for cozy gatherings, and the batter stays stable for days — so you can make it ahead and serve it when ready.
- Spirit
- rum
- Glass
- mug
- Garnish
- freshly grated nutmeg
- Alcohol
- alcoholic
Recipe
Yield: Batter – makes about 12 drinks
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 pound granulated sugar (about 2¼ cups)
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ounce dark rum
- Ingredients (Per Drink)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of batter
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1 ounce brandy or cognac
- 6–8 ounces hot milk (or half milk, half hot water)
- Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
- 01In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- 02In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar, butter, vanilla, and spices until thick and creamy.
- 03Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture until smooth. Stir in the dark rum to finish the batter.
- 04To serve, warm a mug. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of batter, followed by the rum and brandy.
- 05Fill the mug with hot milk (or milk and water mix), stirring as you pour to create a frothy top.
- 06Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg and serve hot.
Make-ahead
- Store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before use.
- Once mixed with hot milk, the drink should be served immediately.
Notes
- This 12-drink batch is ideal for smaller gatherings or family celebrations.
- Use pasteurized eggs if desired for a safer, longer-lasting batter.
- Substitute half the milk with hot water for a lighter, less creamy version.
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