Coffee Liqueur

• 2 clean empty Fifth bottles
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 fifth vodka (medium quality)
• 1 vanilla bean split in half lengthwise (you can sub with 2 Tablespoons pure vanilla)
• 1/3 cup instant coffee crystals or granules (dark roast)
• 2 Cups water

Instructions:
Bring water to boil and add sugar. Turn heat to medium and simmer stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved. Add the coffee granules or crystals, and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature and add vodka. Put vanilla bean (or add vanilla extract) into each bottle and pour liquid into each bottle using kitchen funnel. Tighten caps on bottles. Place bottles in cool dark place, and shake about 3 times per week for two weeks. It is ready to drink at this point. Give as a gift in a decorator bottle or share with friends over the holiday season. Nice Celebration!