The flavor you want out of the lemon is the oil in the peel. Use a potato peeler and try to get as much yellow, and as little white pith as you can. Do not use a zester - it jsut shred the oil into the air, and not into your booze.
I also tried something like what you described with straight vodka and ghost peppers. nothing else. It is a chemical weapon, not a drink, and I doubt anything will dilute it enough, ever.