My mom and I used to make this coffee-flavored liqueur back in the '70s. The recipe is from Mom & Dad's birding friend Ellie Sabin.
INGREDIENTS
3 3/4 c sugar
4 Tbsp good instant coffee
Vodka (a "fifth")
Vanilla bean
1/2 gallon jug
Put the sugar and 3 c water into a 4- to 6-quart pot. Boil for 20 minutes.
Dissolve the instant coffee in 1 cup water. Add to the hot syrup.
Let the mixture cool, then add the Vodka.
Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and place in the 1/2 gallon jug.
Add the Vodka mixture.
Let stand 2 weeks in a brown paper bag in a dark place.
Good over ice cream.