Perfect for cold winter nights, the frothy Tom and Jerry is a lighter version of the classic eggnog you need to try.

Did you know the first alcohol-based hot drinks were served around 2,000 years ago? That’s when a recipe that resembles a mulled wine appeared the first time in a Roman recipe document. From this moment, there was no stopping hot alcoholic beverages from turning into crowd pleasers during the colder months of the year.

Today, the variety of boozy winter cocktails knows no limit. From mulled wine to spiked hot coffee and of course the various versions of eggnog-style cocktails there is a wide range of drinks offering something suited for anybody.

So, if you love eggnog, why not try a Tom and Jerry? The two drinks are indeed quite similar, though there are some very refined differences.

First, the eggs are separated for the batter with the egg whites whipped into a stiff foam which results in a much fluffier texture.

Second, the Tom and Jerry is served hot which is typically not the case with eggnog. That said, you should really have a go and serve it hot the next time. You might be surprised how delicious it tastes!

The origins of the Tom and Jerry cocktail are a bit mysterious, but it might have started life in 19th century England. Here, it’s credited to journalist Pierce Egan who allegedly created the drink to promote this book he wrote (Life in London) that featured two characters named Corinthian Tom and Jerry Hawthorn. Though it’s also linked to U.S. bartender Jerry Thomas, who is also known as the ‘father of American mixology’. Jerry published the Tom and Jerry recipe in his 1862 book How to mix drinks.

Today, the Tom and Jerry cocktail is still hugely popular during Christmas in the U.S. Midwest, where winters are particularly cold.

How to make a perfect Tom and Jerry Cocktail

This delicious warm boozy winter cocktail requires some attention to detail and a two-step preparation process. That said, it is still easy to make and so worth the little extra time preparing the batter.

It’s a drink that – given the additional work required to make the batter – is perfect for larger gatherings. Though the needed ingredients for the batter easily allow you to break it down for a serving for two. And while I prefer making the batter right in time to mixing into the cocktail, you can make it an hour or two ahead and keep in the fridge until needed.

You can serve the Tom and Jerry cocktail in a coffee mug or a hot toddy glass.

Serves 2

For the Tom and Jerry batter

1 egg white
1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch grated nutmeg
1 pinch ground clove
1 pinch ground allspice
10 ml dark rum

Whip the egg white with a handheld mixer until stiff.

Beat the egg yolk with sugar, spices and rum until completely combined.

Carefully fold the egg white into the mixture.

For the Tom and Jerry

60 ml dark rum
60 ml cognac (or brandy)
4 tablespoons Tom and Jerry batter (see instructions below)
300 ml whole milk
freshly grated nutmeg and ground allspice

Boil some water and fill in the mugs or glasses to warm them up, then discard just before preparing the drink.

Heat the milk over medium heat until hot but do not bring to boil.

Add rum, cognac and batter to tow coffee mugs or hot toddy glasses. Slowly top with the hot milk while stirring constantly until combined but still frothy.

Garnish with nutmeg and allspice.

Enjoy!