What is a recipe for a cucumber martini?

To make a cucumber martini, begin by muddling fresh cilantro, 3 slices of cucumber, 1 ounce of simple syrup and 3/4 ounce of lemon juice in the bottom of a cocktail mixer and fill with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka, shake and double-strain into a glass.

To finish off the martini, add 3 drops of Tabasco sauce and garnish with a fresh cucumber slice.

Alternatively, put 2 ounces of cucumber vodka, 1 ounce of triple sec and the juice from a freshly squeezed lime into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a prepared martini glass. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices and 2 sprigs of fresh mint.

You can also make a cucumber martini with gin. To begin, cut one cucumber into 1/3 inch-thick slices plus 6 thin slices for garnishing. Mix 1 1/2 cups of gin and the thick cucumber slices in a pitcher, then cover and chill overnight or up to three days. Strain the gin and remove the thick cucumber slices. In a cocktail shaker, mix 1/2 of the gin with 2 tablespoons of dry vermouth over ice. Strain into three martini glasses and garnish with the thinly sliced cucumbers. Repeat with the remaining gin. This recipe makes six martinis.