Homemade Coffee Liqueur for Christmas, Begun in November

Homemade Coffee Liqueur for Christmas, Begun in November
The stuff you buy in the store is pretty good, but our guess is you’ll get more of a kick out of
putting this variation together yourself. Try it: It takes some time, but it’s worth it. You may
never go back to the labeled version again.

4 cups granulated sugar
2 ounces instant coffee crystals
2 cups water
3 cups vodka
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise

1. Mix sugar and coffee in the bottom of a large pitcher.
2. Add water.
3. Chill for 90 minutes, then add vodka. Mix well.
4. Drop the vanilla bean into an empty half-gallon bottle with a screw top.
5. Pour the coffee mixture into the bottle, seal, and store for 30 days in a dark place.