Add 1 cup of sugar, 6 oz of alcohol (bourbon, vodka, or rum), 2 tbsp corn syrup or honey, 2 tbsp water, and 2 oz of vanilla beans to a mixer.
Blend for about 3 minutes.
Add ⅛ tsp of xanthan gum (optional) and blend for another 30 seconds.
Transfer the mixture to a container and store in a cool, dark place. Do not refrigerate.
The vanilla paste will thicken up overnight and the flavors will intensify over time.
