Easy Lemon Drop Martini

Step 1

Combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a small jar, cover, and shake until sugar is dissolved.

Step 2

Combine 2 oz. vodka, ¾ oz. Cointreau, 1 oz. fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz. simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds. Strain cocktail into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.Do ahead: Simple syrup can be made 3 months ahead. Cover and chill.