This Tom and Jerry recipe is a nostalgic old-fashioned cocktail, often compared to eggnog, that’s packed with festive spices and served warm. It requires a little effort to make but boy is it worth it! Wondering what is a Tom and Jerry drink? We promise, it won’t make you run around like cat and mouse; rather, this warm and boozy spiced milk cocktail will warm you up from the inside out. Happy Christmas!
Tom and Jerry Recipe
PREP TIME 15 min

QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
Add boiled water to a heatproof glass or mug to warm it up
Tip the water out once the mug has warmed up
Add the rum, brandy, and batter to the mug, then top with warm milk
Garnish with a grating of nutmeg and enjoy
Tom & Jerry batter recipe
This recipe requires eggs, cloves, nutmeg, Ceylon cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar, butter, and a good dark rum. We recommend choosing a good quality rum for this festive batter, such as a classic like Signature Appleton Estate or an aged rum like Maison La Mauny. Also, the Trois Rivières collection from Martinique offers some delectable dark rums.
Ingredients
- 12 Large eggs, separated
- 1 Teaspoon cream of tartar
- 120 g Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 Cup sugar
- 60 ml Signature Appleton Estate dark rum
- 1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Method
- Whip the egg whites in a large glass bowl with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks, a meringue-like texture, and set aside
- In another bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar and butter until combined
- Stir in the spices and rum into the egg yolk mixture
- Fold a large spoonful of egg white into the butter mixture to aerate, then gently fold in the remaining. Keep refrigerated until you need it.
How to make the best Tom and Jerry drink
Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, this creamy drink is one of those easy winter cocktails to make year on year. When prepping your batter in advance, the trick is not to get any yolk into your whites when separating the eggs. The rest of the steps are super simple to follow; whisk the egg whites in one bowl to make stiff peaks before combining the yolks, sugar, and butter with rum and spices in another bowl.
To combine, add the egg white mix one spoonful at a time to the yolk mixture, getting a little air into the thicker base mix with each stir. This batter recipe makes enough to serve 25, so store in the refrigerator or spoon into large ice cube trays and freeze for a later date. When your guests arrive, simmer your milk, boil the kettle, and line up mugs. Before your guests wrap their cold hands around a mug, grate a little nutmeg over the top.
What to serve with this Tom and Jerry recipe
This cocktail is rich and filling, like a dessert in a mug, so it’s perfect to serve at the start of your celebrations along with strong salty or spicy flavours to balance its creamy notes. Go for a cheese and charcuterie platter with some spicy chutneys or choose dishes with plenty of tasty Parmesan for a great pairing.