I thought I would make it fun today by showing you how to make your own extract. Honestly, it just couldn’t be easier. All you’ll need is vodka, a few vanilla beans, a mason jar and 10 minutes of your time. That’s it.
I love making my own vanilla extract and after attempting it for the first time (with huge success) a few years back, I’ll never buy extract again. It’s that good. Not to mention so much more affordable than what you buy at the store. It doesn’t matter what kind of vanilla bean you use. There are so many varieties on the market and each one will have a subtle difference in taste and appearance. Play around with some of them and come up with your favorite. I used Madagascar vanilla beans. They are long and thin with a sweet and almost creamy like aroma to them.
The key to making great extract is using FRESH beans. You want them to feel a little oily to the touch and should be fairly soft. Stay away from dry and brittle beans- throw those ones into some sugar to use for either baking. I like to use my homemade extract in oatmeal, a fruit smoothie, and a splash in a cocktail is amazing. With the holiday season in mind, I started 5 jars in September. The jars have been nestled away in a dark cupboard becoming richer and more intensified in flavor by the day. I don’t like to show up anywhere empty handed and this makes an excellent hostess gift. If I haven’t convinced you to make your own vanilla, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to get some of mine!
A simple guide to making your own homemade vanilla extract.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Vodka
- 3 Vanilla Beans
- 1 Mason Jar
Instructions
- With a sharp knife split vanilla beans in half length wise.
- Place the split beans in a mason jar (or any tight fitting glass container) and cover with vodka. Make sure the lid is on tightly and put jars in a dark cool place.
- Give them a little shake every few days or so. They will be ready in about two months.
- The flavors develop more the longer they sit. When you start to run low simply add more vodka to your jar and you will never run out of vanilla extract!
Welcome to my kitchen! I'm a personal chef, wife and mama of two young boys. I Love butter, snowboarding and laughing out loud.
I never, in a million years, would have thought to make my own extract. That is very cool!
Thank you. I can’t tell you enough how delicious it is! You must try it!
I love making my own vanilla…thanks for the cute bottling idea as well… And if you find yourself with some leftover bourbon (yeah, right…) it makes great vanilla too! I had a little bit left in a bottle and poured it into a small mason jar with a bean…best vanilla ever! But the vodka version is cheaper for everyday use
I will have to try the bourbon idea- thanks. I’ve thrown in a little dark rum before and it’s great too!
wow, I need to try this. I wish vanilla beans were not so expensive
They can be kind of pricey. I’ve found them at Costco in the past and they’ve been pretty affordable!
Kelley-
Great minds think alike! I am actually posting a homemade extract tomorrow! Thanks so much for submitting your creation to the My Baking Addiction and goodLife {eats} Holiday Recipe Exchange! Good luck and remember voting starts on November 21st!
-Jamie
Thanks, Jamie! Can’t wait to see your post tomorrow!!
I LOVE this idea! I sometimes buy the beans in bulk at a health food store (which is relatively inexpensive) but never realized how easy making extract is. I also never realized the fine line between vanilla extract and vanilla-infused vodka.
It’s so easy. You can use rum or bourbon as well but I like the vodka best!
Is there a non-alcoholic way of making vanilla extract? Crossing my fingers and hoping there is.. :/
Not that I’m aware of. When you buy vanilla extract in the store, it’s made with alcohol!
This looks amazing! I cant wait to make some for Christmas gifts!
It’s such a fun thing to make for gifts! Let me know how it turns out!
Can’t believe how much vanilla I use, and can’t believe I have never looked into making it myself! I’m inspired! Thanx for a great recipe!
Not only is it a lot of fun to make, it is sooooooooo good!
Thanks for the Vodka measurement….I’ve seen posts about making it but never the measurements so thanks!!:)
Your welcome!
Hi Kelley, can’t wait to try my hand at vanilla extract. Just one question, have you found a one brand of vodka works better than another? Thanks
Any kind of vodka will work just fine! No need to buy the expensive stuff either. I usually go with something middle of the road like Smirnoff! Good luck!
Such a good idea!! Where did you get your bottles from?
Here are two places on the web to check out: speciality bottle and sunburst bottle. I’ve ordered from both with great success!
I’ve had Mexican vanilla extract. Do they soak it in tequila? or add a jalapeño?
thanks for the posting. nice idea
Vanilla beans are sourced from all over the world. You could make a nice vanilla extract using the same method I have posted here using an actual Mexican vanilla bean!
OK, I got mine started.And because of your inspirtation I also looked up recipes for almond and lemon extracts and have those started. You’ve totally inspired me – I think I’m going to try out mint too.
THanks for the awesome idea (and I wish I would’ve bought my beans at Costco! I made the mistake of buying an organic variety in the specialty aisle at Smith’s Marketplace (I’m an idiot).
Thanks Kel. Love your website.
@Sabrena- I will email you the source where I order mine. Organic but wholesale prices!
[...] 1 teaspoons vanilla extract [...]
[...] 1 teaspoons vanilla extract [...]