This is a wonderful holiday beverage recipe! In fact,
it is a classic Christmas cocktail developed in the early 19th century. Once you make your first batch, it gets a bit addictive, as it is so
easy to make and so delicious! This drink is a Christmas tradition for my family. My family has made the Tom and Jerry drinks to
mark the Christmas season for as long as I can remember. I can't imagine Christmas without it.
The drink is often mistaken for eggnog - but eggnog it
is not! A Tom and Jerry is light and spicy, with a sweet foamy crown
that forms when hot water is stirred into the batter. Once you've sprinkled the top with nutmeg,
it is ready to drink. For the children in your family, just leave out the
alcohol.
Don't forget to check out my Christmas
Prime Rib Dinner Menu and
Holiday Open House Menu which includes this delicious holiday Tom and Jerry Batter recipe.
Tom and Jerry Batter Recipe
Recipe Type:
Beverage & Cocktails,
Holiday Drinks,
Christmas
Yields: serves many
Prep time: 20 min
Ingredients:
6
eggs, separated and room temperature*
2 1/4 cups superfine
sugar, divided**
Salt to taste (just a small pinch)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup powdered milk
Boiling water
Rum, brandy, or whiskey (your choice)
Nutmeg
* I know that
they say you shouldn't use raw eggs anymore! We do and have for many,
many years. Just be sure and purchase very fresh or
pasteurized eggs to use for this wonderful drink.
** If you can't
find superfine sugar (also called Baker's sugar), use regular granulated sugar.
I like to use the superfine sugar because it dissolves easier.
Preparation:
We usually triple (3 times) the recipe for our family.
In a small bowl, beat egg yolks until thick; set aside.
In a large bowl of your electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/2 cup
superfine or granulated sugar slowly into the egg whites.
Fold the beaten egg yolks into the egg whites.
Add remaining 1 3/4 cups superfine or granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
Slowly and gradually fold in the powdered milk.
Store, covered, in the refrigerator, and use as needed. Will keep up to one (1) week in the refrigerator.
Mixture will probably separate in the refrigerator. No problem - just stir and use. The drink will still turn out
frothy and delicious.
Serves many.
How To Make Tom and Jerry Drinks:
Make each individual serving in a large cup or mug:
Place 1 to 3 heaping tablespoons of prepared Tom and Jerry batter into each cup (amount depends on size of cup and to your taste preference).
Our family uses 3 heaping tablespoons for an 8-ounce cup.
Add boiling water to fill cups to 3/4 full.
Add 1 ounce of either rum, brandy, or whiskey to each cup
(use the amount of liquor you desire - for children, leave the
liquor out).
Stir until well blended
Sprinkle with nutmeg
Serve and enjoy!
Comments from readers:
When I found your site it just jumped out at
me because of the
Tom and Jerry Batter recipe. It brought back so many great memories of my childhood. I was raised in the
San Francisco Bay area. Every spirit shop carried Tom & Jerry mix. I have
not seen it in years. Mom and Dad would never go a year with out T&J mix in
the house for drop in guest or parties. I just wanted to thank you for bringing fond
memories back. I lost my Mom and Dad within 3 years of each other. Holidays
are when I really miss them so much. Now that I have found your site I will
keep coming back, I will also tell my friends what a great site you have.
Thanks For The Memories. - Reverend Dee Dee De Moss
I am so happy to find this recipe. This was
the favorite holiday tradition for me and my father. There used to be a
beverage dock and the owner made it for the holidays and I have never been
able to find it in years. This will be a chance for me to start the
tradition again with my now married family and honor my father. Thank you
- Willie
