For the elderberry liqueur, strip the elderberries from the umbels, wash them properly.
Pour berries into a saucepan, add vanilla bean and water and bring to a boil, stirring often.
Cook 1/2 to 1 hour over low heat, then drain through a tea towel.
Mix sugar and juice, bring to a boil again briefly, then let cool slightly.
Mix the alcohol with the elderberry juice while it is still warm. Fill the elderberry liqueur into bottles and close them tightly.