She Strengthens

Warm Up with a Classic: Tom and Jerry Cocktail

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced drink to get you in the holiday spirit. In the Midwest, one beloved Christmas cocktail stands out from the rest: Tom and Jerry. This rich, eggnog-like treat is a staple of festive gatherings, and we’re excited to share a recipe that’s sure to become a new tradition.

The Story Behind Tom and Jerry

This iconic cocktail has its roots in Chicago, where bartender Charles Joly perfected the recipe. The secret to its success lies in a spiced, beaten egg batter that’s mixed with hot milk, water, rum, and Cognac. The result is a velvety, aromatic drink that’s sure to delight.

Gathering Ingredients

Before you start mixing, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• Blackstrap rum, made from sugarcane molasses, which gives the drink its distinctive dark color and rich flavor
• Aged rum, a suitable substitute if you can’t find blackstrap rum
• Cognac, for added depth and complexity
• Eggs, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cream of tartar for the batter
• Whole milk and water to create a creamy, velvety texture
• Freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg for garnish

Crafting the Perfect Batter

To create the signature Tom and Jerry batter, follow these simple steps:

1. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, rum, cinnamon, and allspice until light and fluffy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until just combined, taking care not to deflate the batter.

Assembling the Punch

When you’re ready to serve, place the batter in a 3-quart punch bowl or individual cups. Slowly pour in the Cognac and rum, stirring gently to combine. Add the hot milk and water, stirring again to combine. Garnish with grated cinnamon and nutmeg, and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• For a more authentic experience, track down a festive Tom and Jerry punch bowl set.
• This recipe makes 10 drinks, but can be easily scaled up or down to suit your gathering.
• Serve individual cups for a more intimate experience, or pour into a punch bowl for a lively party.

With its rich flavors and velvety texture, Tom and Jerry is sure to become a new holiday favorite. So why not give it a try this season? Your guests will thank you!