Taste and tune the balance. This ratio leans sweet and smooth. For a tarter, more spirit-forward drink, drop the simple syrup to 1 ounce or bump the lemon to 1 1/2 ounces. Dip a straw in before you strain; you can always adjust.
Make simple syrup in 2 minutes. Stir equal parts sugar and hot water until the sugar dissolves completely, then cool. No stove needed if your tap runs hot.
Roll your lemons first. Press and roll a room-temperature lemon on the counter before juicing to break down the membranes and get more juice.
No shaker? Use a jar. A mason jar (paid link) with a tight lid works perfectly. Strain through a small sieve or hold the lid slightly ajar.
Upgrade the orange liqueur. Swap triple sec for Cointreau for a drier, more aromatic drink, or Grand Marnier for a richer, cognac-backed warmth.
Flavor your vodka. Citrus vodka doubles down on the lemon. Vanilla vodka turns it into a lemon-meringue-pie version.
Flavor the syrup. Steep a sprig of rosemary, a few basil leaves, or sliced ginger in warm simple syrup for 10 minutes for an herbal or spicy twist.
Make it fruity. Muddle 3 to 4 raspberries or blueberries in the shaker before adding the ice for a berry Lemon Drop.
Use superfine sugar for the rim. Finer crystals cling better and give a more delicate crunch. If needed, pulse regular sugar in a blender (paid link) for 10 seconds, then mix in a little lemon zest for extra aroma.