Homemade Vanilla

Making homemade vanilla is super easy and tastes so much better than Imitation Vanilla Flavoring and costs less than most Pure Vanilla Extracts.

Making homemade vanilla extract is a simple process involving just two ingredients: vanilla beans and alcohol. The key to success is patience, as the mixture requires several months to infuse properly. 

Ingredients & Supplies

• Vanilla Beans: Use approximately 1 ounce (by weight) of Grade B "extraction" vanilla beans per 8 fluid ounces (1 cup) of alcohol. Grade B beans are ideal because they have a lower moisture content and are less expensive than Grade A "gourmet" beans. Madagascar vanilla beans provide the classic, rich vanilla flavor, while Tahitian beans offer a more floral note.

• Alcohol: An 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume) spirit is recommended.

  • Vodka is the most common choice as its neutral flavor allows the vanilla to shine through clearly.

  • Bourbon, brandy, rum or spiced rum can also be used, adding complementary flavor notes to the extract.

• Glass Jar/Bottle: Use a clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid that is tall enough to submerge the beans completely. 

Instructions

Prepare the beans: Split each vanilla bean in half lengthwise with a sharp knife or kitchen shears to expose the tiny seeds inside (vanilla caviar). This increases the surface area for extraction. If the beans are too long to fit in your jar, cut them into smaller pieces.

• Combine ingredients: Place the prepared vanilla beans into your clean glass jar. Pour the alcohol over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged.

• Seal and shake: Secure the lid tightly and give the jar a good shake to mix the contents.

• Infuse: Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, for at least three to six months.

Shake the jar occasionally (about once a week) to help distribute the flavor. The extract will be darker and more flavorful the longer it infuses; many bakers recommend waiting 6-12 months for the best results. 

Tips & Tricks

• Refill: You can leave the beans in the jar indefinitely and top it off with more alcohol as you use the extract. This creates an "infinite" supply of vanilla, though you may need to add a fresh bean periodically after a year or so to maintain potency.

• Gifting: Homemade vanilla extract makes an excellent gift. Decant the finished product into smaller, decorative bottles and add a label with the date it was made.

• Spent pods: Don't throw away the used vanilla pods. You can dry them and place them in a jar of granulated sugar to make vanilla sugar. 

(I borrowed the instructions from Vanilla Bean Kings; I made two batches, the first with Vodka and the second with Spiced Rum. Both are really good and I have enough vanilla to last for a long long time.) https://www.vanillabeankings.com/