Homemade Vanilla Extract
Prep time/bottling time 20 minutes
Inactive time 6-8 weeks
Makes 10 4-ounce bottles
I absolutely love to make homemade vanilla! Use your favorite vodka, bourbon, whiskey, or rum. The process of allowing the beans to steep in the alcohol extracts their signature caramel and “vanilla” flavors! Choose a spirit you love to drink, but remember that “the cheaper the better” isn’t necessarily the best way to produce quality vanilla.
Last year for my kids’ teachers gifts, I made vanilla and gifted it in beautiful batter bowls along with hand painted chocolate chip cookie recipe cards. The teachers loved it! I made batches of 10 at a time – plenty for your own pantry as well as for gifting!
Here is my full Amazon vanilla making supply list! All you need to do is supply your alcohol of choice. I set out every October to make fresh batches, which last all year. Have fun!
Supplies
Funnel
10 4-ounce swing top glass bottles
Ingredients
50 vanilla beans
40 ounces of vodka, bourbon, whiskey, rum, etc.
Directions
- Rinse and clean your store-bought swing top bottles.
- Carefully slice the vanilla pods in two, then in half again, leaving you with 4 segments per bean. Be careful to not waste any of the gooey vanilla beans inside the pods.
- Place 5 beans (20 pieces) inside each bottle.
- Using the funnel, fill each bottle with your favorite spirit.
- Place the bottles in a cool dark place and shake them gently weekly for 6-8 weeks. Keep some for yourself, and gift the rest to friends and loved ones!