You don’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy this lush cocktail. But you will need to prepare the Tom & Jerry batter, which combines eggs, vanilla, rum and sugar. The Tom & Jerry is a traditional Christmas-time cocktail that has been attribute to Pierce Egan, a British writer who introduced the drink back in the 1820’s. The drink’s name is a reference to Egan’s book, Life in London, or The Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn Esq. and his Elegant Friend Corinthian Tom.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 oz Dark Rum
- 1 oz Cognac
- 1 tablespoon Tom & Jerry batter*
- Whole milk, hot, to top
- Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg
- Garnish: Ground Cloves and Allspice
PREPARATION
Rinse a small coffee mug (or white ceramic Tom & Jerry cup) with boiling water to warm it, then discard the water. Add the rum, cognac and batter into the cup and top with hot milk. Garnish with a mixture of 2 parts freshly grated nutmeg to 1 part each ground clove and ground allspice.
*TOM & JERRY BATTER: Separate 12 egg yolks and whites and set aside. In a nonreactive bowl, whip the egg whites with 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with 2 pounds of sugar, 2 ounces Jamaican dark rum and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. When the yolk mixture is completely combined, gently fold it into the egg white mixture. Keep refrigerated.
