1. Stir together and bring to a boil the first two ingredients. Simmer 30 minutes. Add 4T coffee disolved in 1C water. Cool sugar, coffee & water mixture an hour or so.
2. Split a vanilla bean down the middle and put into a gallon jar. Pour vodka or brandy over it and add coffee, sugar & water mixture. Put the jar in a brown paper bag and store in a dark place for 2-4 weeks. Remove the vanilla bean after 2 weeks.