Homemade Coffee Liqueur

I have not tried the liqueur. I'm posting this for safe keeping. I found this recipe in Southern Living. Note: For testing purposes only, Godiva Original Chocolate Liqueur was used.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 6 cups

Ingredients

• 4  cups sugar
• 1⁄4 cup instant espresso
• 2  cups vodka
• 2  tablespoons  chocolate liqueur (optional)
• 1 (8 inch)  vanilla beans, split lengthwise

Directions

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, and whisk in sugar and instant espresso, whisking until completely dissolved. Let cool 10 minutes.
2. Stir in vodka and, if desired, chocolate liqueur until well blended. Pour mixture into a 2-quart glass bottle. Add vanilla bean. Cover tightly with lid, and shake throughly. Let stand in a cool, dark place 1 month, shaking at least once weekly.
3. To Make A Coffee Liqueur Creme: Beat 1/4-1/3 cup heavy cream at medium-high speed with a heavy duty electric stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add 1/4-1/3 cup Homemade Coffee Liqueur, and beat 30 seconds. Gently stir until well blended. Cover and chill up to 2 hours.