This Ain’t No Nog

Eggnog is everywhere this time of year. But let’s face it, not everyone is a fan (we’re not totally sure why – we love the stuff). If you’ve got a bunch of nog-haters in your life, there are plenty of nog-ish drinks to serve this season instead that’ll satisfy your cravings and still please the dissenters. Convert a few eggnog-phobes with the Tom and Jerry, a variation on the traditional Christmas cocktail from Troy Clarke, Director of Food and Beverage at the Royal Sonesta Hotel and creator of the fabulous cocktail program at ArtBar. 

A classic in its own right, the Tom and Jerry, which debuted back in the early 19th century, is a creamy brandy and rum drink that, unlike eggnog, is served hot. Also unlike its nog-y cousin, this drink is made with a batter of eggs and sugar (lots of sugar) that’s incorporated into the cocktail right before serving. Clarke adds a little bit of ginger to his version, which isn’t traditional, but he likes the bit of heat it adds to the otherwise all sweet drink.

The recipe below serves a big crowd, so be sure to invite over a bunch of people for merry-making.  It’s also not for those on a diet, but really, who’s on a diet during the holidays?  Serve this delicious dessert-y drink at your next holiday get together and forget all about that old eggnog.

Tom and Jerry

For the batter

• 5 pounds sugar*
• 12 fresh eggs, separated
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger  
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 2 ounces spiced rum (Prefer Sailor Jerry)
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar OR 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are thin as water, adding the sugar while beating.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff.
3. Add the spices and rum to the yolks. Then, mix the stiff egg whites into the yolk mixture and stir until it’s the consistency of a light batter. Add the cream of tartar or baking soda to the batter to prevent the sugar from settling to the bottom of the batter.

For the drink     

• 1-2 tablespoons batter (based on your preference, typically 2)
• 1 1/2 ounces brandy (preferably Lepanto Solera Gran Reserva )
• 1/2 ounce spiced rum (preferably Sailor Jerry)
• 3 to 4 ounces boiling water (if you really like it rich add steamed milk in place of the water)
• freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)

 Add the batter to the ceramic mug.  Then add the spirits and boiling water, and stir. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

*Yes, this is the correct amount. Don’t try to cut back – it just won’t work.

 

Still need some quality drink ideas? Peruse dozens of musings on all things beverage-related from some of the city’s top bartenders, sommeliers and GMs on the Drink Like a Pro pages.