Heating It Up

• Homemade or ready-made, if you like your eggnog warm, heat it up. A simple way to do this is right on the stove top. Pour the eggnog into a saucepan and warm it over low heat until you see steam rising from the pan. As soon as you do, remove the saucepan from the heat -- do not allow the eggnog to come to a boil or it may burn. Pour the eggnog into mugs and enjoy.

Homemade Varieties

• If you make eggnog yourself, heating is a must. A standard ingredient in eggnog is egg and to avoid foodborne illness, eggs must be heated to kill dangerous bacteria. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends heating the eggs and half the amount of milk that your recipe requires to 160 degrees Fahrenheit in a saucepan , while stirring frequently. Chill the heated egg mixture in the refrigerator right after heating, adding the remaining eggnog ingredients once it cools.

Commercially Manufactured

• The commercially manufactured eggnog varieties that you purchase in the supermarket are pasteurized -- heated to temperatures high enough to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, they are not available year long. If you prefer store-bought, start looking for eggnog on store shelves in mid-November through New Year’s Eve. Not only is ready-made more convenient than homemade, but it does not require heating before drinking because it is pasteurized.

Spices and Spirits

• Add some spices to your eggnog after heating. A dash of nutmeg, vanilla or a cinnamon stick enhance the flavor of the warm drink. Complement the warmth of the eggnog with a scoop of ice cream or spoonful of heavy cream, or spruce up your coffee with eggnog instead of milk and creamer. If you prefer to add some spirits to your warm eggnog, stir in some bourbon, rum or brandy to taste.