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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Vanilla Extract

You only need 2 ingredients to make homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade vanilla extract, vanilla extract
Servings: 1 cup

Equipment

  • 8 oz jar
  • knife or scissors
  • funnel

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 80 proof vodka
  • 6 vanilla bean pods
  • 3-12 months

Instructions

  • Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut beans down center to expose vanilla bean caviar. If beans are too tall to fit in bottle, cut them into smaller pieces.
  • Cover beans with vodka. Use a funnel if your jar has a thin neck.
  • Store vanilla at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Give bottle a shake every week or so.
  • Wait at least 3 months before using your extract. Vanilla will be even better after 6-12 months.

Notes

  • Homemade vanilla will last for years as long as the beans are fully submerged in vodka. 
  • As you use your vanilla extract, you can replace the amount you used with fresh vodka. At some point, your vanilla extract will need to be replenished with new beans as it loses potency.  
  • If giving vanilla extract as a gift, I recommend removing vanilla beans first. 
  • If your vanilla extract isn't quite ready to use when you gift it, leave the beans, and you can add a label or tag with a "do not open until _____" message, and instructions on removing beans before use.