We are a society fond of immortalizing those who have accomplished great things throughout history by giving them important titles: Adam Smith is the father of Economics, Geoffrey Chaucer is the father of English Literature and the list goes on and on.

Another man who I think is qualified to join these ranks of great men? Jerry Thomas, the father of American mixology.

Thomas, who was born in Connecticut, traveled across the country working as a gold prospector, a minstrel show manager and most importantly, bartender.

Thomas eventually became so well versed in the art of mixing up drinks, he was able to open his own bars and saloons.

After doing this, Thomas again hit the road and worked at bars and saloons across the country.

At one point, he earned more money than the Vice President of the United States. It was while working in a hotel bar in St. Louis that “Professor” Thomas invented this week’s drink, the Tom and Jerry.

The Tom and Jerry is a hot drink, which might explain why it has traditionally been a holiday favorite. Because preparing this drink involves quite a bit of preparation, consider it an end of the semester challenge, and be prepared to share.

Ingredients:

12 eggs

1-cup sugar

Brandy

Dark rum

Milk

Pinch of ground allspice

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Pinch of ground cloves

Nutmeg

Recipe:

Separate the egg whites and yolks. Add the sugar to the yolks and beat the whites until they are frothy. Beat the yolks until they form a thin liquid and gradually add four ounces of brandy and a pinch each of allspice, cinnamon and cloves. Fold the whites into the yolks. Put one tablespoon of this batter into the bottom of a mug and add one ounce of brandy and one ounce of rum, stirring constantly. Fill the mug to the top with hot milk and sprinkle grated nutmeg on top.