Make Kahlua

This is an excellent suggestion for a home-made gift (or something you can keep for yourself). But if you want to use it during the Christmas holidays, start in early November.

Ingredients

 * 2 Cups (500ml) dry (unprepared) instant coffee (not freeze dried)
 * 7 Cups (1.75L) white granulated sugar
 * 1 Quart (0.95L) water
 * 1 Quart (0.95L) 80 proof (40% alcohol) vodka (no particular brand)
 * 1 Whole vanilla bean

Steps

 * 1) Bring the water to a full boil. Remove from heat and add the instant coffee and the sugar.
 * 2) Stir constantly until the sugar and coffee are completely dissolved.
 * 3) Allow the mixture to cool, then add vodka and stir.
 * 4) Pour into two separate 1-quart, sealable glass containers.
 * 5) Drop one half of the vanilla bean into each container. Seal tightly.
 * 6) Apply a label or tie a note around the container identifying its contents and the date it was made.
 * 7) Allow the product to age by placing it in a cool, dark place where it will be undisturbed for at least 30 days; the longer, the better.

Tips

 * Clean, empty 750 ml. wine bottles are great to use as your glass containers. Remove the wine label.  Seal the wine bottles with vacuum-type bottle or soda container sealing caps (available at most grocery stores).
 * You can add a small amount of glycerol to increase the viscosity and give it some "mouth feel".

Warnings

 * Do not use freeze-dried coffee.

Things You'll Need

 * 2 1-Quart sized, sealable glass containers

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make Homemade Irish Cream
 * How to Make Homemade Brandy
 * How to Make Irish Coffee
 * How to Infuse Vodka with Flavor
 * How to Make Coconut Cordial