Tom and Jerry
The festive American classic: a warm, frothy egg batter spiked with dark rum and brandy, topped with hot milk and finished with freshly grated nutmeg.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg, separated
- 30 g caster sugar
- 1 pinch ground allspice — plus cinnamon and clove to taste
- 30 ml dark rum
- 30 ml brandy
- 120 ml hot milk
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg, to finish
Method
- Whisk the egg white to soft peaks, then in a separate bowl beat the yolk with the sugar and spice until pale.
- Fold the white gently into the yolk mixture to make a light, frothy batter.
- Spoon a generous dollop of batter into a warmed mug.
- Add the dark rum and brandy, then top with the hot milk, stirring as you pour.
- Finish with a little freshly grated nutmeg and serve straight away.
How to serve
- Glassware
- Heatproof mug
- Serve temperature
- Warm, around 65°C
- Garnish
- Freshly grated nutmeg
The Tom and Jerry is a cherished American holiday tradition, a warm cousin of eggnog served piping hot from a punch bowl on winter evenings. At its heart is a frothy spiced batter that, once loosened with spirits and hot milk, becomes light, creamy and gently boozy. It is the kind of drink that turns a cold night into an occasion.
Tips
The lightness of the drink depends on the batter, so whisk the egg white properly to soft peaks before folding it through. Warm your mug first so the milk does not cool too quickly, and pour the milk steadily while stirring to keep the foam intact. Freshly grated nutmeg always beats the pre-ground sort for aroma.
Variations
Some prefer all dark rum or all brandy rather than the classic split, so adjust to your own palate. A whisper of cinnamon or clove in the batter deepens the festive character. For a larger gathering, scale up the batter, keep it in a bowl, and let guests build their own mugs with hot milk and a measure of spirit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the batter in a Tom and Jerry made from?
The batter is a frothy mixture of whisked egg, sugar and warming spice. Beating the white and yolk separately gives the drink its signature light, foamy texture.
Which spirits go into a Tom and Jerry?
The classic pairing is dark rum and brandy in equal measure, though some recipes lean more heavily on one or the other to suit personal taste.
Can I make the batter ahead?
Yes. The batter keeps for a day or two chilled, ready to spoon into mugs, though it is at its frothiest when freshly whisked.
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