Marielle's method
here is by far my favorite. The chopped up beans are not as visually appealing, but if you are giving it as gifts, you could save out a few whole beans and put one or two in each bottle.
I buy Seagram's extra smooth vodka because I'm a wimp and I don't like the smell of the other stuff.
It makes no difference in the final taste, unless you drink it straight.
I use a mix of tahitian and bourbon beans. About 1 tahitian to 2 bourbon.
The tahitian beans have a quick burst of flavor and the bourbon have a lingering taste.