Macchialina's Chocolate Calabrese Chili Liqueur

Macchialina's Chocolate Calabrese Chili Liqueur (makes one 750 ml bottle)
Found: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/restaurants/facebook-live-make-macchialinas-chocolate-calabrese-liqueur-for-christmas-9923482

Ingredients:

1½ cups sugar
¾ cup water
½ Tbsp cocoa powder
1 vanilla bean, split in half
1 Calabrese chili, cut into a few pieces
3 cups premium vodka, such as Tito’s or Absolut

Directions:
In a saucepan, simmer water, sugar, and cocoa powder until both are dissolved. Let mixture cool to room temperature. Add mixture to a large jar with vodka, vanilla bean, and chili pieces. Close jar and let it sit for a minimum of 14 days, stirring occasionally. Strain, bottle, and store in freezer.