Mexican Coffee Liqueur
(Comparable to Kahlua)
4 cups sugar
3½ cups water
1 vanilla bean, cut in half
¾ cup freeze-dried coffee
¼ cup hot water
4 cups brandy or vodka
2 tablesppons pure vanilla extract
(not imitation)
Combine sugar, the 3½ cups water, and vanilla bean in a large heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let boil 15 minutes to let the sugar desolve completely. Remove from heat. Combine coffee with the ¼ cup hot water; mix well and slowly stir into sugar syrup. Reutrn to heat and simmer on low heat for 6 minutes; do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Remove vanilla beans.
When cool, add brandy or vodka, then add the vanilla extract. Pour into bottles and cap tightly. let age at least 1 month before serving.
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