Put all the spices except the vanilla bean in a spice grinder and grind well. Place the spices in a 3-quart jar with a screw top and add the vanilla bean, cut into 4 pieces. Add the vodka and 1-1/2 cups of the cold water, close the jar, swirl to mix, and let it stand for one week in a dark, cool place, swirling the jar once a day.

After a week, mix the sugar and the remaining 2 cups of cold water and add to the jar. Swirl to mix and let it rest for one more day, swirling a couple of times in this 24-hour period.

Strain the mixture through a fine, white cotton or linen towel into a bowl. (See note) Know that whatever you use to strain the liqueur will be stained hot pink for eternity! Add the rose water, mix, then pour the Alkermes into bottles. Cork the bottles and let them rest for 1 day more before using.