This eggnog recipe uses tequila for some extra holiday spirit

Tequila’s a party beverage. Once those shots start coming around with their salt and lime accoutrements, you know your celebration level is about to jump a level or two (or plummet abruptly).

So maybe it makes sense that cocktail expert Jeffrey Morgenthaler happened across the idea of using tequila in his eggnog, instead of the usual suspects like whiskey, rum or brandy.

Morgenthaler told Lifehacker that he stumbled on tequila while trying to jazz up his eggnog recipe for the jaded palates of his Portland, Oregon, clientele.

“My original plan was to do a weekly eggnog with all these different flavor combinations,” he said. “The first one I did was a tequila/sherry one and it was so overwhelmingly popular I never proceeded with any of the others.”

Morgenthaler’s recipe, designed to serve a crowd, follows the standard model: eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar and a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg on top. The party-starter is a full 12 ounces of añejo tequila and 15 ounces — almost two cups — of Amontillado sherry.

According to the Lifehacker writer who interviewed Morgenthaler, this eggnog is so good it got her to enjoy eggnog for the first time. Click here to get the full recipe and prepare for a fiesta.

Another way to liven up your nog this year? Martha Stewart’s take on the venerable chocolate-and-churros combo.

Stewart’s Spiced Chocolate Eggnog adds bittersweet and milk chocolate to the merry mix, plus a goodly amount of cinnamon and a kicky cayenne pepper garnish. She suggests brandy to booze up the drink, if needed.

If you’ve got the time and the will to add fresh-baked churros on the side, you’ll have a fabulously festive treat for your guests. The chocolate eggnog is lighter and fluffier than the rich hot chocolate that’s usually served with churros — oh, what fun! Click here for the full recipe.

Feliz Navidad, everybody!