Prepare the Glass:

1. Create Sugar Rim: Pour sugar onto a small shallow plate, spreading it evenly. Take a lemon wedge and run it around the entire rim of your martini glass—the moisture helps sugar stick. Dip the moistened rim into the sugar, rotating gently to coat evenly. Tap off excess sugar. Set the prepared glass aside.
2. Chill Glass (Optional but Recommended): Place your sugar-rimmed glass in the freezer for 5 minutes while you make the drink. A chilled glass keeps the cocktail colder longer.

Make the Cocktail:

3. Juice Fresh Lemons: Cut lemon in half and juice to get 1 ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of fresh juice. Strain out any seeds or pulp if desired, though a little pulp adds character!
4. Fill Shaker with Ice: Fill your cocktail shaker about ¾ full with ice. You want plenty of ice for thorough chilling.
5. Add Ingredients: Pour the vodka (2 ounces), fresh lemon juice (1 ounce), and simple syrup (¾ ounce) into the shaker.
6. Shake Vigorously: Seal your shaker tightly and shake hard for 10-15 seconds. You want to shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty cold. The vigorous shaking properly chills the drink and dilutes it slightly for perfect balance.
7. Taste and Adjust (Optional): If you want to check the sweet-tart balance, strain a tiny bit into a spoon to taste. Too tart? Add another ¼ ounce simple syrup and shake again. Not tart enough? Add a splash more lemon juice.

Serve:

8. Strain into Glass: Carefully strain the lemon drop martini into your prepared sugar-rimmed glass. Be careful not to disturb the sugar rim while pouring.
9. Garnish: Add your chosen garnish—a lemon wheel floated on top, a lemon twist expressed over the drink and dropped in, or a lemon wedge on the rim.
10. Serve Immediately: Lemon drop martinis are best enjoyed immediately while ice-cold and while the flavors are bright and fresh.