Cucumber Cooler

I may have lost my bartender, but that doesn't mean that creative drinks no longer exist for me. This is a refreshing summery drink.

One year ago: Fig, Prosciutto, and Arugula Salad
Two years ago: Egg and Pancetta Stuffed Tomatoes

Cucumber Cooler (from Saveur's The New Comfort Food)

Ingredients
1 2" piece cucumber, thinly sliced crosswise
1/8 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup crushed ice + more for later
1 1/2 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce simple syrup

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine cucumber slices, thyme, and crushed ice.
2. Using a muddler, crush ingredients until slushy.
3. Add more ice, vodka, and simple syrup. Cover and shake vigorously to combine.
4. Pour into glass and serve.