The newest cocktail bar in the Mission is at Delfina's Roman offshoot, Locanda (577 Valencia), where bar manager Michael Sager is mixing up a bunch of fun drinks, often under the auspices of "bartender's choice." (In general, San Franciscans are pretty game to just drink whatever's handed to them. Also see this new slideshow of the whole food menu over on Grub Street.) On the short list of cocktails is this fine aperitivo called the Archangelo that's a nice, balanced summer refresher.

Archangelo

2 1/4 oz. gin
3/4 oz. Aperol
cucumber (preferably lemon cucumber if available)

Muddle a few slices of cucumber in a cocktail shaker. Add the gin and Aperol. Shake vigorously and double-strain into a cocktail glass. Spritz with lemon oil from a lemon peel, and garnish with a sliced cucumber.