Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a beloved ingredient in countless recipes. While store-bought vanilla is convenient, it can be costly for such a small bottle. Not to mention homemade vanilla extract is so much richer in flavor.

If you are looking to make your own homemade extract, this vanilla extract recipe is easy to make, uses only two ingredients, and tastes amazing! It's perfect for homemade whipped cream, hot chocolate, and it also serves as a perfect homemade gift!

Vanilla Bean Varieties

Before getting started, we need to talk about our main ingredient, vanilla. There are many different varieties of vanilla beans, including Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican vanilla beans. Madagascar and Tahitian vanilla beans are the most commonly used.

In addition to varieties, there are also different grades of vanilla beans. Grade A beans are considered to be a higher quality than grade B, offering a higher moisture content and more plump, shiny texture. We use the Vanilla Bean Kings grade A beans for our vanilla, and we love them! Overall, it comes down to your preference and your price point.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Vanilla Extract

What You Will Need

10 (4 oz) glass bottles (shop on Amazon)
25 vanilla beans (shop on Amazon)
40 oz plain vodka, rum, or brandy
Custom labels

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Cut the vanilla beans in half, so that they are able to fit in the 4oz bottle. Then, split the beans lengthwise using a sharp knife. This exposes the seeds inside, allowing them to infuse the alcohol more effectively.
Combine the Beans and Alcohol:
1. Place the split beans into your glass bottles. Ideally, use about 4-6 bean halves per 4oz of alcohol. The vanilla bean pack that I used has 25 full beans in a package, so I used 5 bean halves in each jar.
2. Pour your alcohol of choice over the beans, ensuring they are completely submerged. Tightly seal the bottle.
Store and Wait: Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months. The longer the vanilla extract sits, the stronger the flavor will be. Shake gently once a week to help the extraction process.

Conclusion

Making your own homemade vanilla extract is simple yet rewarding process that can help you save some money while enjoying more flavorful recipes. Plus, you can try new extract variations and customize your own labels! Happy extracting!