Run a slice of lemon along the rim of a martini glass to wet it and give the rim a touch of lemon flavor.
Dip the rim in some fine sugar all around its perimeter.
Martini:
Add some ice to the cocktail shaker and then pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice, vodka, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
Close the shaker and give it a few shakes to mix everything together.
Pour martini into the prepared glass and garnish with a lemon slice or lemon twist.
Notes
For the best results, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice! Bottled lemon juice will not work well when it’s the main ingredient. Fresh lemon juice has a much better (and for lack of a better word) fresher flavor.
Try to use good quality vodka. Even though it’s mixed with lemon and simple syrup, you’ll still taste the flavor of vodka if it’s a much cheaper bottle. Remember, vodka is supposed to be flavorless and smooth.
Make the simple syrup yourself. Store-bought simple syrup is easy, but it’s WAY too sweet! If you know the brand well and always use it, then you’ll know how to work with it. Otherwise, make a batch of 1:1 simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) at home and store it in the airtight container in the refrigerator. It only takes a few minutes to toss together.
Use superfine white granulated sugar for the sugar rim. Superfine sugar will give you a pleasant sweetness without the grittiness of plain granulated sugar.