Easy Lemon Drop Martini

Step 1

Finely grate the zest from 1 large lemon onto a small plate until you have 1 teaspoon zest. Cut a wedge out of the lemon and reserve the remaining for the cocktail. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar to the lemon zest and rub it together with your fingers to combine. Moisten the rim of a 6-ounce martini glass with the lemon wedge. Invert the glass into the lemon sugar, turning it as needed, until the rim is coated.

Step 2

Peel a piece of zest from the lemon with a vegetable peeler and reserve for garnish. Juice the rest of the zested lemon until you have 1 ounce.

Step 3

Add the lemon juice, 2 ounces vodka, 1/2 ounce orange liqueur, and 1/2 ounce simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and then add enough ice to fill the shaker. Seal and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into the martini glass and garnish with the lemon peel.