The Perfect Lemon Drop Martini

There are few things in life I feel very passionate about, having a Lemon Drop Martini made properly is one of them.

After sampling 4 or 5 (bakers dozens) I've come to know what works and what is completely unacceptable in creating the perfect lemon drop.  Before I tell you my magical recipe here are a few things that you need to know when ordering a one of these tasty devils are a bar.  Firstly and MOST importantly, if you see the word 'limoncello' do not order it.  For those of you who aren't familiar limoncello it's a Italian lemon liqueur which is extremely offensive to the taste buds. If you are one of the few people who actually likes that garbage I officially forbid you from reading on.  Secondly, do not use flavoured vodka, please for the love of god.  No lemon vodka will not make it extra delicious. With a lemon drop you're not going to want anything beyond the basics.

BEFORE YOU BREAK OUT THE MARTINI SHAKER:

• Start off by creating a simple syrup. Do this by dissolving as much white sugar as you can in about a cup of water.  Using warm water works best, but you will have to do this ahead of time so you aren't adding warm ingredients to your martini.
• Cut a wedge of lemon and run it around the rim of your martini glass.
• Have a small plate ready with some white sugar leveled out on it.  
• Take your lemon rimmed glass and dip it  sparingly into the plate of sugar then put the glasses in the freezer.

LEMON DROP RECIPE:

• Ice
• Simple Syrup 
• Vodka --- preferably Russian Standard
• Triple Sec  --- optional
• Lemons ---- It's best to have a lot of these on hand because the amount needed depends on the ripeness ... plus who knows how many you will want!?

Fill your martini shaker 3/4 with ice.  Add 4oz of Vodka and 1/2oz Triple Sec.  Add the juice of one lemon and throw a couple of lemon rinds in as well.  Add approximately 1oz of simple syrup.  Shake the shit of it.  Now and most importantly, test your mixture.  Don't get ahead of yourself and pour a below average product into your nicely rimmed glasses.  You may want to add a little more lemon or simple syrup depending on what you like.  Once it taste right pour it into your chilled, sugar rimmed glasses and ENJOY.

This recipe makes 2 martinis because I don't encourage drinking by yourself... BUT we've all been there, so if your sad enough to be drinking alone you might as well get drunk.