This drink is actually a new recipe to me and I had only become aware of it because I was walking through my grocery store and saw this premade Tom and Jerry Batter mix in the fridge section.
Contrary to what I initially thought, this isn’t a reference to the classic cat and mouse cartoon, but it’s actually from the 1812 play Tom and Jerry, or Life in London, where the author, Pierce Egan, introduced this variation on eggnog to publicize the play as well as the book it was based on. And nowadays, this drink is quite popular in Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Montana, and is sold in regional supermarkets during the Christmas season.
This recipe is quite similar to the traditional eggnog recipe since it shares the same basic ingredients, but it differs in that it’s a lot lighter and frothier in texture and less eggy in taste since the eggy batter is prepared separately and then mixed with the milk and alcohol.
Speaking of which, if you wish to make this non-alcoholic, you of course are welcome to leave out the brandy and rum and it’ll still taste very delicious. In addition, you are of course able to add this batter to a whole bunch of other drinks such as coffee or hot chocolate. But regardless of what you mix it with, this creamy hot beverage will be a great way to warm up as you spend time during Christmas with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- Some Tom & Jerry batter (enough for 6-12 servings; ~2 tbsp each serving):
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 oz of dark rum
- 1½ oz brandy, rum or a combination of both
- 6-8 oz hot milk
- Some nutmeg or other spices for garnish
Step 1: Separate Egg Whites & Yolks
First, we’ll prepare the eggs, so using two different bowls, carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. I recommend using a separate bowl to separate them first so you don’t ruin all of your egg whites in case you mess up and break a yolk. Then, once they’re separated, set your yolks aside for now and grab your bowl of egg whites.
Step 2: Whip Egg Whites into Stiff Meringue
If you want to, you may add cream of tartar to help strengthen your meringue but it’s not necessary. But once you’re ready, whip the egg whites until stiff.
Once your egg whites form peaks on the tip of your whisk that don’t droop like so, or if you can turn your bowl over without spilling your egg whites, it should be good to go.
Step 3: Beat Egg Yolks w/ Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Spices, & Rum
Then, in a separate bowl, beat the yolks with the powdered sugar until it turns light and smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes. And then, mix in the vanilla extract, spices, and rum.
Step 4: Fold in Yolk Mixture into Whipped Egg Whites
Next, when the yolk mixture is completely combined, gently fold it into the egg white mixture, trying not to deflate the egg whites. Then, when your batter is ready, keep this refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
Step 5: Heat Up Milk on Stove; Combine Tom & Jerry Batter w/ Brandy/Rum, Warmed Milk, Spice Garnish, & Enjoy!
When you’re ready to make your cocktails, heat up some milk on a stove or in the microwave. Then, grab a mug and pour some hot water into it to heat it up and then dump out the water.
Next, add some batter to the warmed cup and then add in the brandy and rum. Then, when the milk is warmed, slowly pour it into your cup, stirring constantly to froth the drink and to keep the eggs from scrambling.
Then, garnish with a sprinkling of nutmeg or other spices and with that, your Tom & Jerry Eggnog is ready to drink.