There's one holiday tradition in Watertown that hundreds look forward to this time of year. Our Amanda Kelley tells us about the Tom and Jerry drink and how it's spreading holiday cheer throughout local restaurants.

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- It's a holiday favorite that hundreds of customers at the Crystal Restaurant look forward to each year and has become a North Country staple, the Tom and Jerry.

Crystal Restaurant waitress Jennifer Murrock said, "I don't know if it's because you can just get them once a year, or if it's just because it's cold out and they're warm to drink, but everyone seems to flock here when we serve them."

This warm beverage has become legendary throughout the area. It's made from just a few ingredients. "It has rum and brandy, and the egg batter mix, and some cinnamon and nutmeg on top," said Murrock. But its exact recipe remains a tightly guarded family secret.

Since the Crystal began serving these drinks more than 70 years ago it's become quite the tradition in Watertown and it's popularity continues to grow throughout Public Square.

Just about a block away, another Watertown Restaurant now serves up another version of the holiday drink.

Bistro 108 Owner David Barlett said, "I think a little bit of spice and nutmeg and you've got it. I guess you can throw your own variation in on things, maybe I've screwed the recipe up, but it works for us."

They said customers enjoy the different twist on the Tom and Jerry.

Bartlett said, "So far we haven't come across one that's really disliked. I think it's more of a holiday drink, it's not something that you're going to sell all year long for sure but people tolerate them through the holiday season from Thanksgiving through Christmas or New Years."

The restaurants said it isn't a rivalry and there's plenty of demand for holiday cheer to share throughout the square.

Murrock said, "It's definitely more traditional here. They use the old antique mugs and old bowls so everything's just very traditional when it comes to Tom & Jerry's."

"They do a really nice job down at the Crystal," said Bartlett. They have for years and years and years and they've kind of made the Tom and Jerry thing what it is in the city of Watertown. I guess the rest of us are just lucky enough to ride along on the Crystal's coattails."

A few local restaurants also sell a martini version of the Tom and Jerry drink in town throughout the holidays. They're sold from Black Friday until January 1st each year.