Tom and Jerry

Name: Tom and Jerry Hot Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Golden Age 1850-1880
Ingredients: 3 Eggs, separated; 1/4 tsp Cream of tartar; 2 1/4 C Superfine sugar; 2 oz Light Rum; 1 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground cloves; 1/2 tsp Ground allspice

The Tom and Jerry is a hot, spiced cocktail made with separated eggs, rum, and warm spices—a 19th-century holiday drink that predates the cartoon and remains popular in Wisconsin and Minnesota during winter months.

🌍Golden Age 1850-1880 🏷️Equipment: punch cup

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

3 Eggs, separated

1/4 tsp Cream of tartar

2 1/4 C Superfine sugar

2 oz Light Rum

1 tsp Ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp Ground cloves

1/2 tsp Ground allspice

7 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
To make batter, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in medium bowl
2
to stiff peaks.
3
Beat yolks in another medium bowl until slightly
4
Gradually beat in 1 cup of the sugar.
5
Mix in rum,
6
cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
7
Mix in remaining 1 cup sugar.
8
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 2 days.
9
Makes 3½ c.
10
batter, enough for about 28 drinks.
11
For 1 serving, combine brandy and batter in preheated punch cup or
12
coffee mug.
13
Fill with boiling water and stir well.
14
Top with nutmeg.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Separate eggs carefully—even a trace of yolk will prevent proper whipping of egg whites with cream of tartar
The batter should be thick and fluffy when ready; underwhipping results in a thin, soupy drink
Use hot (not boiling) water or milk to avoid cooking the eggs too quickly; stir vigorously to emulsify the batter into the liquid
This drink is best served immediately after assembly; the batter will separate if left sitting

Substitutions

Light rum → dark or aged rum (deeper molasses notes)
Superfine sugar → regular granulated sugar (requires slightly longer whipping time)
Ground spices → whole spices steeped in hot milk separately, then strained (more intense flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store the prepared batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir gently before using, adding hot liquid fresh to order.

Common Questions

What is the difference between Tom and Jerry and eggnog?

Tom and Jerry is served hot with a whipped egg batter base, while eggnog is served cold. Tom and Jerry uses separated eggs with cream of tartar to create a fluffier texture when hot liquid is added.

Can I make Tom and Jerry batter in advance?

Yes, the batter (eggs, sugar, and spices) can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for several days. Whip it fresh or gently re-whip before serving.