Combine 1 or 2 slices cucumber, 4 or 5 mint leaves, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 teaspoon sugar in a shaker and crush with a muddler or spoon. Add 3 ounces gin or vodka and fill with ice. Cover and shake, then strain through a sieve into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

Photograph by Con Poulos