When an enterprising journalist and playwright wanted to promote his new book and play, what did he do? He created a new cocktail. The Tom and Jerry.
According to legend, in the 1820s in England, a journalist named Pierce Egan created the drink to promote his new book and play.
Egan wanted to attract attention to his works, so he invented a drink that is essentially a fortified eggnog. The book and play, Life in London, or The Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn Esq. and His Elegant Friend Corinthian Tom, may have been forgotten, but in Wisconsin and other places in the world, the drink he invented is still hugely popular.
In Wisconsin, where dairy is king, this delicious alcoholic drink is a Christmastime favorite. The drink became very popular in the mid-1800s. During Prohibition in the United States, the Tom and Jerry’s sweet, strong flavors were able to mask the taste of low-quality bootleg liquor.
This year, we, Brenda and Bob, tried Tom and Jerrys at home.
We bought Tom and Jerry mix at the grocery store (Woodman’s). We also opted for dark rum and cognac instead of brandy.
With a tablespoon of frozen Tom and Jerry mix, 1.5 ounces of alcohol, and some hot water, we made a tasty, warming drink.
If you haven’t tried a Tom and Jerry, now is a good time. It’s delicious.
You can even make them virgin by simply omitting the alcohol. Still awesome!
FAQs
1. What is a Tom and Jerry mix made of?
The traditional mix is a combination of eggs, sugar, vanilla, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s essentially a rich, whipped batter that forms the base of the drink.
2. Can I substitute other types of alcohol in a Tom and Jerry?
Yes! While brandy or cognac are traditional, dark rum or even whiskey can be used. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste.
3. How can I store leftover Tom and Jerry mix?
You can refrigerate the mix in an airtight container for up to a week. If you bought frozen mix, just pop it back in the freezer for longer storage.
By Citizen dj at English Wikipedia - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29241965