Warm Up A Cold Minnesota Day With This Festive Holiday Drink

Old Man Winter has returned with a vengeance to southeast Minnesota these last few days, and seeing as the holiday season is well underway, here's a holiday drink that will warm you up-- even on the coldest Minnesota day.

The holiday season is a time of year that’s rich with traditions. From special holiday music to special holiday cookies or special holiday meals, this time of year is the perfect time to enjoy those yuletide favorites that have been around for years. And one of my family’s traditions to which I always look forward is having a piping hot Tom and Jerry.

Back in my home state of Wisconsin, a holiday Tom and Jerry seems to be almost everywhere you go this time of year. It's not quite as prevalent here in Minnesota, but it’s around if you look. (I know you can get one locally at places like 5 West, Whistle Binkies, and a few other places, and you can get some Flaherty's Tom and Jerry batter at Apollo Liquor.)

A Tom and Jerry is a drink similar to egg nog, in that it’s made with an egg-based batter or mix. But the Tom and Jerry is actually more like a Hot Toddy, because it’s also made with boiling water, along with a jigger of brandy, a jigger of rum and a little nutmeg on top. You serve it in a coffee cup (or mug in our case) for a holiday libation that will really warm you up!

When I was a kid, every Christmas Eve, my dad would whip up a batch of Tom and Jerrys for the everyone before dinner. He remembers his dad making the batter from scratch; however, we usually just buy the Tom and Jerry mix at a local grocery or liquor store. Either way, they’ve become one of our holiday traditions. (And depending on how strong you make them, they can really pack a punch!)  You can read more about the Tom And Jerry HERE.