BevX Cocktails

Tom & Jerry Cocktail

This great old classic cocktail goes back to early nineteenth-century England. We are not sure abotu the true idenities of the namesakes but that never seemed to matter when we are sipping a Tom & Jerry. There are countless variations of this drink but the basics all include an egg-based batter and Rum with some sort of Brandy — typically Cognac but we prefer Spanish Brandy de Jerez.

Ingredients

1 ounce Dark Rum
1 ounce Brandy de Jerez
1 heaping tablespoon of Tom & Jerry Batter (recipe below)
5 ounces of hot milk
garnish with freshly grated nutmeg

Tom & Jerry Batter
6 large eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ounce Dark Rum
5 dashes of bitters
4 dashes of vanilla extract

Occasion

The Winter Holidays are the natural season for the classic Tom & Jerry.

Method

Make the batter in advance — not to be done at the time of service. Separate the eggs putting white in one bowl and the yolks in another. Beat the yolks with the sugar, spice, and Dark Rum until smooth with the sugar becoming fully absorbed and a bit pale. Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Fold the whites into the yolk mix gently. Refrigerate covered or in an airtight container until needed.

To make the cocktail add the spirits and batter to a warmed mug (warm with hot water) and stir vigorously (a handheld milk frother is a great tool) until well combined. Top with freshly grated nutmeg.

Variations

There are abundant variations with the most controversial being the addition of butter to the batter. As far as we can tell the original did not include butter. We like it with or without butter so we won't be joining any battles on the subject.

Source: Classic