3 3/4 c. sugar
1 vanilla bean
1 (2 oz.) jar instant coffee
1 fifth brandy or vodka
4 c. boiling water

Dissolve the coffee in 1 cup boiling water. Dissolve the sugar in 3 cups boiling water. Mix together and stir well. Let cool. Add alcohol. Cut vanilla bean in 3 pieces and split lengthwise. Tie each piece on a string. Place the beans in 3 bottles. Leave for 5 weeks in a cool place. Check weekly thereafter. When Kahlua reaches the flavor desired, remove the vanilla bean.