Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 2 oz (60ml) quality vodka
  • 0.75 oz (22ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 0.75 oz (22ml) simple syrup (1:1 ratio)
  • 0.5 oz (15ml) triple sec or Cointreau
  • 1 thin lemon wheel

Instructions:

  1. On a small plate, combine the granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant.
  2. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass and dip the rim into the citrus sugar to coat evenly.
  3. Extract fresh lemon juice using a citrus press and measure exactly 0.75 oz using a jigger.
  4. Fill a cocktail shaker with large, solid ice cubes.
  5. Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and triple sec to the shaker.
  6. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosted and the liquid is aerated.
  7. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve into the prepared glass.
  8. Garnish with a thin lemon wheel or a long lemon twist.