For Simple Syrup

1. In a small pot combine the water or lemon juice and granulated sugar and bring it just to a boil. You can add strips of lemon peel for more flavor. 
2. Once the syrup boils, stir it briefly, turn off the heat, and pour it into a heat-proof container. For added lemon flavor, let the syrup cool in the pot with the lemon peel submerged.
3. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks. You can remove or leave the lemon peel in the syrup, it's up to you.

For Lemon Peel Garnish

1. For an easy lemon peel garnish, use a vegetable peeler to remove the rind off of one lemon. You should end up with a few strips that are an inch or more wide.
2. Remove any remaining white pith by laying the strips flat on a cutting board, outer-side down. Carefully slice horizontally with a knife to remove the bitter pith.
3. Once all the white pith is removed, slice each larger strip of lemon peel into thin strips about a quarter of an inch wide. There's no need to trim the length of the strips.
4. Store leftover garnish in the refrigerator.

To Rim a Glass

1. Spread a thin layer of granulated sugar on a small plate.
2. Run a lemon wedge or a damp towel around the rim of your glass.
3. Dip the rim of your glass in the sugar and set it aside while you shake the cocktail.

For the Cocktail

1. Combine all of the liquor, liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a good helping of ice in a cocktail shaker. 
2. Seal with the lid and shake until the shaker frosts over.
3. Strain the shot or martini into your rimmed glass. For a lemon drop spritzer, top a martini with a couple of splashes of club soda, lemon sparkling water, or even brut champagne or sparkling wine.