(Tina Rupp)

TOTAL TIME: 5 MINSERVINGS: Makes 1 drink

Mayahuel, NYC

Big grains of salt rim many a margarita glass. But as this cocktail proves, a pinch of salt can add complexity to sophisticated bittersweet drinks.

2 cucumber slices, plus 1 cucumber spear for garnish8 mint leavesPinch of salt1/2 ounce Simple SyrupIce2 ounces blanco tequila3/4 ounce yellow Chartreuse1 ounce fresh lime juice

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber slices with 7 of the mint leaves, the salt and the Simple Syrup. Add ice and the tequila, Chartreuse and lime juice and shake well. Fine-strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with the cucumber spear and remaining mint leaf.From Drink Trends from 2011 Cocktail Guide