Vanilla Liqueur

Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3 T vanilla extract, or 1 (8-inch) vanilla bean, split lengthwise
3 cups vodka, or 1 quart light rum

optional: 1 teaspoon glycerin

Preparing the liqueur:
Combine the water and sugars together in a saucepan and stir until dissolved. Heat for 5 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly, just until the mixture begins to steam (do not bring to a boil). Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. Stir in the vanilla extract or beans and vodka. Pour into glass decanter, store in a cool dark location for at least two weeks.