Rose Martinis

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup water
2. 2 tablespoons sugar
3. 3 1/2 cups vodka
4. 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
5. 1/2 teaspoon rose water (see Note)
6. Ice cubes
7. 24 edible rose petals (optional; see Note)

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Let cool, then stir in the vodka, lemon juice and rose water.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add one-fourth of the martini mixture and shake. Strain into 2 martini glasses, garnish with rose petals and serve. Repeat to make the remaining martinis.