Tom and Jerry (mixed drink)

A Tom and Jerry is a traditional Christmastime cocktail in the United States. It was devised by sports writer Pierce Egan in the 1820s.

It is a variant of eggnog with brandy and rum added and served hot, usually in a mug or a bowl. {disputed:see discussion}

Another method uses egg whites, beaten stiff, with the yolks and sugar folded back in, and vanilla extract added. A few spoonfuls are added to a mug, then hot water and rum are added, and it is topped with nutmeg.

Tom and Jerrys are served primarily in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and are difficult - if not impossible - to find outside of the Upper Midwest.[1] Pre-made Tom and Jerry batter, typically produced by Wisconsin manufacturers, is sold in regional supermarkets during the Christmas season.[2]

Contents

Onomastics

The name is related neither to the popular MGM cartoon nor to the earlier Tom and Jerry by Van Beuren Studio, nor to famous bartender "Professor" Jerry Thomas, the author of one of the first bartender's guides, How to Mix Drinks (1862). Instead, it is a reference to Egan's book, Life in London, or The Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn Esq. and his Elegant Friend Corinthian Tom (1821), and the subsequent stage play Tom and Jerry, or Life in London (also 1821).

To publicize the book and the play, Egan introduced a variation of eggnog by adding ½ fl oz of brandy, calling it a "Tom and Jerry". The additional fortification helped popularize the drink.[3]

In literature

The drink features prominently in Damon Runyon's short story "Dancing Dan's Christmas" beginning with the passage

This hot Tom and Jerry is an old time drink that is once used by one and all in this country to celebrate Christmas with, and in fact it is once so popular that many people think Christmas is invented only to furnish an excuse for hot Tom and Jerry, although of course this is by no means true.[4]

It is also mentioned briefly in Yogi Yorgesson's song "I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas" and by Jack Lemmon in the 1960 film "The Apartment", who stated that "the Tom and Jerry mix is in the refrigerator".

References

  1. ^ Cornell, Tricia, "The Best Tom and Jerry, Updated," Heavy Table, 2010.
  2. ^ Faust, Eric, "Connolly's Tom and Jerry Batter from Superior, WI," Heavy Table, 2009; See also Mrs. Bowen's Tom and Jerry Mix.
  3. ^ Block, Stephen. "The History of Egg Nog". Food History. The Kitchen Project. http://www.kitchenproject.com/history/eggnoghistory.htm. Retrieved 2006-12-16. 
  4. ^ Runyon, Damon (1880-1946). Dancing Dan’s Christmas. The Damon Runyon Society.'.' Retrieved 2006-12-27.

See also