Father Christmas may be a jolly old chap but he is pretty boring when it comes to choosing a festive tipple.

Don’t let a baffling name get in the way of a very tasty drink

Unless parents across the Maltese Islands and beyond have got it badly wrong, Santa likes to fuel his annual round-the-world sleigh ride with a gazillion litres of milk and the odd glass of sherry or brandy.

But just because old St Nick is stuck in his ways, it doesn’t mean you have to be too. Christmas time brings so many parties and get-togethers that you can grow sick of the sight, let alone the taste, of your regular tipple.

It is, of course, important not to exceed your alcohol consumption limits, but whether entertaining friends at home or hitting a bar for festive fun, you don’t have to limit your dining table or bar tab to the standard beverages you can knock back all year round.

In the interests of variety, we have taken our own magical journey across the world to provide you with inspiration for festive drinks that will put the “ho, ho, ho” into the Christmas holidays.

Bombardino from Italy

From our near neighbours, Italy, comes a winter warmer, guaranteed to bring a red glow to your cheeks. Bombardino is a favourite of Italian ski resorts, so it’s ideal if you want to bring the spirit of the Alps into your home this Christmas.

Mix one part advocaat or eggnog with one part brandy and serve hot with whipped cream on top. Then sit back in your favourite chair as the rain splatters against the window and enjoy the taste explosion.

Gingerbread Sacrifice from France

This French cocktail will leave you smiling as sweetly as a gingerbread man.

Place a quarter cup of vodka, a quarter cup of orange liquor and half a cup of apple cider into a cocktail shaker and shake it like a snow globe.

Line the rim of a chilled martini glass with agave syrup, sprinkle with gingerbread crumbs and pour in your Christmassy concoction. C’est magnifique!

Glühwein from Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Forget the dour stereotype; the German-speaking people of Europe pretty much invented the notion of a merry Christmas. Aromatic glühwein is a staple in Germany, Austria and Switzerland throughout the winter months, but especially during Advent, when Christmas markets occupy the main squares of practically every city and town in the region.

So tasty is this spicy brew that it has been adopted in other parts of Europe and beyond – for a few euros you can even pick up a ready-made bottle in Lidl to take home and warm in a pan, adding your own citrus fruit to taste.

To make your own, you will need to heat ¾ of a cup of water with ¾ of a cup of white sugar and a cinnamon stick. Slice an orange in half, squeeze in the juice and stud the peel with cloves before placing it in the mixture and simmering for 30 minutes until thick and syrupy.

Finally, add a bottle of red wine or port and heat until steaming. Take out the orange peel, pour into mugs and share the Christmas cheer with friends.

Eggnog from the US

As seen in countless Hollywood movies, this classic taste of Americana is easy to create, though it won’t go easy on your hips. If you buy your eggnog ready-made, simply add a dash of dark rum or brandy, top with an ounce of triple sec, sprinkle with nutmeg and let the Christmas spirit take over.

To make your own warm version from scratch, beat four eggs and half a cup of sugar together in a large bowl until the eggs are frothy and the sugar is dissolved.

Heat in a double boiler over simmering water, whisking constantly, to a temperature of 75°C. Remove from the heat and strain. Chill well. Stir in ¾ of a cup of dark rum or brandy. Beat the heavy cream with a pinch of sugar, and stir half into the egg mixture. Serve the rest as a dollop on top of each serving.Sprinkle with nutmeg, switch on your favourite festive Hollywood movie and enjoy.

Cola de Mono from Chile

In Europe we associate Rudolph’s red nose with Christmas, but in Chile it’s cola de mono, or monkey’s tail. We are not quite sure what the Christmas connotations are, but don’t let a baffling name get in the way of a very tasty drink.

The Chileans combine aguardiente (try a strong grappa as a European substitute) with milk, coffee, vanilla bean and cloves. Bottoms up!