Tom and Jerry (drink) facts for kids
| Cocktail | |
|---|---|
A Tom & Jerry cocktail
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| Type | Cocktail |
| Served | Hot in a mug or bowl |
| Standard drinkware |
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| Commonly used ingredients | Eggs or egg whites, powdered sugar, brandy, rum |
| Preparation | Separate eggs. Beat egg whites until stiff. Mix egg yolks with powdered sugar. Put a spoonful of yolk mixture in cup, and mix with brandy and rum. Fold in some egg white, then add hot milk and top with more egg white. Stir gently to fold in the egg white. Top with Nutmeg. |
A Tom and Jerry is a special warm drink often enjoyed during the holiday season in the United States. It's a bit like eggnog, but it's served hot. This cozy drink usually comes in a mug or a bowl.
People make it by mixing eggs, sugar, and sometimes a little bit of brandy and rum. Then, they add hot milk and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. You can even find pre-made Tom and Jerry batter in stores during Christmas, especially in states like Wisconsin and Minnesota!
What's in a Name?
The name of this drink comes from a very old book and play. In the 1820s, a British writer named Pierce Egan wrote a book called Life in London. It was about two characters, Jerry Hawthorn and Corinthian Tom.
To help promote his book and a play based on it, Egan created a special version of eggnog. He added a small amount of brandy to it and called it a "Tom and Jerry." This helped make both the drink and his story famous!
Fun Facts and Pop Culture
This warm drink was a favorite of President Warren G. Harding. He used to serve it at his yearly Christmas parties for his friends.
You might also know the names Tom and Jerry from famous cartoons! There were two different cartoon duos with this name. One was from the 1930s, and the other was the well-known cat and mouse rivalry that started in the 1940s. These cartoons might have used the name as a fun play on words, inspired by the drink or the old stories.
