Making Kahlua

There are many recipes out there for Kahlua.  It's fun to experiment with each of them and decide which contains the most flavor and how to create a liqueur that is sweet but not too syrupy.  Play with white versus brown sugar or honey.  Try adding rum.  No matter how much you play with the ingredients, I think the trick is using actual vanilla beans instead of vanilla flavoring.  Homemade Kahlua makes a terrific gift.

Ingredients:
2 cups instant coffee (or brew your favorite coffee, but be sure it's thick!)
3 cups white sugar
3 cups honey
1 quart water
1 quart vodka
2 vanilla beans, split down the middle

Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.  Remove from the heat and add instant coffee, sugar and honey.  Let dissolve.
- Cool.
- Add vodka.
- Add vanilla beans.
- Pour mixture into jars.  Seal and place in a dark place for (at least) 30 days.
- Enjoy!