Want a ‘Frosty’ cocktail? This Michigan bar has one that will knock Santa’s boots off

FLINT, MI — ‘Tis the season for a frosty drink.

Why not order one with it in the name?

The cocktail is Frosty the Snowman, but the regulars have simplified that.

“When I first made the drink, I didn’t know how that combination of flavors would work, which as a bartender, is what drew me in to try it,” said Rodney Ott, owner of The Loft. “And that blend of flavors has really taken off with my regulars. Now, everyone is coming in just saying, ‘Give me a Frosty. Give me a Frosty.’”

So, what is in a Frosty the Snowman — or a Frosty?

The drink is made with vanilla rum, peppermint schnapps, blue curacao and sprite. Ott dresses it with a candy cane garnish and a couple of cherries, all for $7.

Ott said it has a fruit-forward flavor and is an enticing, colorful drink that impresses customers.

With Christmas around the corner, Ott said he made it his mission to venture out on his bartending skills, offering up the perfect seasonal drink.

The Frosty the Snowman cocktail is made with vanilla rum, peppermint schnapps, blue curacao and Sprite, and is available for $7 at The Loft in downtown Flint.Jake May | jmay2@mlive.com

After searching for some inspiration online, whether social media or cocktails on Google, Ott came across this one with some interesting ingredients and a blend he had to taste for himself.

“I like making a lot of summertime drinks, but I always love to do something festive that is a winterish drink, especially so close to Christmas and the new year,” he said. “It’s a fairly simple drink, but those ingredients together makes it taste like Christmas or winter. It just tastes like one of those delicious hard candies you’d only have around this time of year.

“I never used to carry vanilla rum before, but now with the popularity of this drink, I am ordering it all the time.”

The back entrance to The Loft in downtown Flint.(Jake May | MLive.com)The Flint Journal, MLive.com

Ott also has made a few heartier options for winter cocktails as well, including a peppermint mocha white Russian and a peanut butter whiskey white Russian.

He also plans to have a drink or shot special ahead for the Rose Bowl as Michigan takes on Alabama.

The Loft is located at 526 Saginaw St. in downtown Flint. Business hours are currently 5 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Sometimes with specialty events, The Loft will also be open on Sundays occasionally.

“This is my 23rd year in Flint, and it’s been good to me,” Ott said. “Merry Christmas to everybody who has ever come through The Loft doors. I appreciate you. We’d love to see you again.

“I love to see old familiar faces, and we tend to see them more around the holidays. … It’s always nice, and this week should be great. Merry Christmas to everybody.”

Read more at The Flint Journal:

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