Tom & Jerry: A traditional Christmas cocktail made of eggnog and brandy.

Primary Alcohol: Brandy of your choosing.

Serving size: Generally in a mug; it should be warm.

This seasonal drink is a Midwestern favorite and hard to find elsewhere. The rich eggnog with the potent, yet tasty brandy finds some of the holiday season more bearable.

My experience with this drink came during an annual white-elephant gift exchange. The eggnog takes the role of stuffing, while the brandy calmed us down and added drowsiness into the equation. All in all, it’s a good decision for gift exchanges. Other drinks can make things messy.

Appearance: A light mocha coloring, depending on how much brandy you add. The whiter, the weaker — no surprise there.

Taste: Even in a stronger pouring, the brandy is merely a taste enhancer. The eggnog is thick and creamy, hiding everything else behind a white veil.

Advice: Serve warm, it’s the holiday season. Just like hot cocoa, half of the enjoyment comes from wrapping your fingers around the mug and taking in all the warmth. Nutmeg or cinnamon can be dashed on the top for an enhanced flavor.

— by Ben Verhille