Beggar’s Banquet’s 'Abbot Road Cucumber Martini'

Beggar’s Banquet was named after a Rolling Stones album — which explains why its menu listed the Abbot Road Cucumber Martini as “light and refreshing.” After a sip, I realized only the Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards would call it “light.” The rest of us might quibble.

The flavorful martini has a real kick to it, but I wholeheartedly agree with the “refreshing” label. The inclusion of fresh cilantro and cut cucumber rendered a cocktail that is usually on the harsher side more palatable. Simple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice also helped give the drink qualities that were — well — refreshing.

The heart and heat of the $8 martini was a generous amount of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The distillery in Austin, Texas uses yellow corn instead of wheat or potatoes like most vodka. Instead of something bitter, Tito’s gives the drink a lingering, sweet aftertaste.

The Abbot Road Cucumber Martini is served cold in an ample, martini glass — ample for me, anyway. Keith Richards would probably disagree.

Beggar’s Banquet 218 Abbott Rd., East Lansing (517) 351-4540 beggarsbanquet.com Open daily 9 a.m. - midnight or later