Bust out the booze friends! I’ve got a weekend project for you!
We’re making our very own vanilla extract! Why? Why make your own vanilla extract when you can just buy the stuff in a teeeeeeny tiny bottle at the grocery store for close to ten whopping dollars? Hm… see what I did there? I seem to have answered my own question.
Homemade vanilla extract only requires a handful of things. Come on… we can totally rock this.
First let’s talk vanilla beans. Yea… they’re a tad bit expensive, but totally worth their weight in… vanilla.
There are a lots different varieties of vanilla beans. So many varieties all with their own subtle nuances… it can be a bit overwhelming. There are beans from Madagascar, Mexico, Tahiti, Tonga… just throw a dart at the map and they just might produce vanilla beans there. Ok. I’m exaggerating. Different beans from all over the globe have different characteristics. We could talk about this for days… seriously. Here’s a brief brief brief run down of my favorites.
Madagascar beans are powerful, dark, full vanilla flavor beans. Tahitian beans remind me of vanilla figs- fruity and floral. The Mexican variety has just a hint of sweet creaminess. How’s that for brief?
What beans are you going to choose for your vanilla extract? Where are you going to get them? Use exactly any bean you want! Maybe you’ll buy them online here. Use exactly whatever you can get your hands on. Mix and match! It’s your world. It’s your extract.
This is going to be so easy! Let’s get started!
I started two types of vanilla extract. One jar is filled with vodka and Mexican vanilla beans (on the left above) while the other jar has bourbon and Tahitian vanilla beans (on the right, silly). I’m beyond excited! I’m ready to bathe in this stuff.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own vanilla extract:
- A mason jar, or some other clean, super sealing container.
- A high-proof alcohol like vodka, bourbon or rum. We’re talking 80 proof.
- Three vanilla beans per cup of alcohol
- A dark spot to store the jars.
- Two months. That’s how long it takes to create vanilla extract!
Here’s how:
Use a sharp paring knife to cut lengthwise down the center of the vanilla beans, leaving about an inch at the top of the vanilla bean uncut.
Put the vanilla beans in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. I used mason jars.
Cover the beans completely with alcohol. It’s three vanilla beans per cup of alcohol, so if you use 2 cups of vodka split open six vanilla beans and throw them in the jar.
Tightly cover the jar and give it a good shake. Store in a cool dry place for two months. Give the bottle a good shake every week or so, just so you don’t forget all about it.
After two months have passed, your vanilla extract should be ready for your favorite chocolate chip cookie or pound cake recipe. You might also want to put the extract in cute, tiny bottles and give them to your favorite baker friends.
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I didn’t think this was possible! I have tons of vodka(don’t ask me how). I love your new website-congrats.
What a great idea! I use so much of this stuff it isn’t funny so making my own will save me a lot of money – and it’s so simple too. Thanks! :)
Great information… My clients love this crafty sort of preparation for meals and I will forward all of them this post. Thanks!
I have been considered making my own vanilla for years. Thanks for the push. Do you know how long the shelf life is? I would like to make a few dozen small jars to give the family as a Christmas gift along with a collection of my favorite recipes.
It’s alcohol. Doesn’t that last pretty much forever? But I’ll be using this stuff all the time! It won’t have time to go bad! :)
Wow!!
Regarding the alchohol, do you taste the bourbon/rum if you’re using that?
i’m on the vanilla train! how about making ur own brown sugar? i haven’t done it yet. i like dark brown sugar to bake my cookies with. i suppose i should just do it.
I didn’t actually know anything but homemade brown sugar existed until I was about 17… Seriously. My mom always made it using blackstrap molasses and sugar – the usage of blackstrap is essential. In a bowl, pour a couple of cups of sugar and a drizzle a few tablespoons of molasses into it. Mix with a fork or your fingers (generally fingers work the best… also, nothing better than licking them off at the end) until no clumps of molasses remain.. How dark you make the brown sugar depends on how much molasses you add in. I’ve always used this for baking without a problem. Also, its phenomenal in oatmeal or anywhere that the flavor needs to stand on its own.
THANK YOU! I really want to make some!
Sweet!! I’m definitely going to do this. What an awesome idea to give away as a gift too!! I am definitely going to invest in vanilla bean paste, but this is great to have on hand when you’re too cheap to buy the crappy store bought vanilla (which is nasty!!)
I have about 24 mason jars left over from an art show and nothing to do with them. Now I am going to become a vanilla extract wholesaler.
:) you made me laugh! I was thinking the same thing about my left over jam jars :)
Does anyone know the approximate calorie content of these homemade varieties?
Store bought is 12.5 calories per tsp, and since I usually end up using about a tablespoon each time (in drinks) it can really add up.
Has anyone ever just used 4 or 5 times the amount of beans, and diluted with water for each use (or diluted a smaller batch)? I’d like to reduce the calorie content without sacrificing intensity. I’d guess that the alcohol would act as a preservative so I don’t imagine contamination would be an issue once water is added… anyone?
Please dont use water with your vanilla beans. Some flavors can only be extracted with alcohol, and this is one of them.
If you use this for drinks anyway, you could just add this to the alcohol you were going to use for that drink and just not soak it as long. Alternatively, try cutting down the calories using splenda instead of sugar. It doesnt quite taste the same but bad vanilla would taste worst in my opinion.
Also, Im not trying to be mean, but if you have an eating disorder, please get help. 40 calories is not something to stress over.
Anna is right! The best result is achieved with alcohol. You can also prepare an infusion with water, but you should prepare it when you are going to use it. I like to blend sugar with vanilla beans, in a regular blender the beans may pulverize some coarse, but that is something I like.
When you use this sugar for some desert like tapioca pudding, or just in milk with cocoa,vanilla,sugar,and malt, the sugar holds pulverized particles of vanilla beans, the coarse parts hydrate and become little bigger. I like to taste it, is something analogous to cinnamon sticks, that are nice to chew. Some people may not like to chew particles of vanilla beans, I think is the only way to know it is to try.
If you do not get good results one reason may be that the beans sold to you were previously soaked in alcohol, dried and sold as pure, in Mexico, some merchants do this, do not buy vanilla beans if they are in a jar with alcohol, look wet, or smell to alcohol or have not an intense smell to vanilla (believe it or not in some markets in Mexico they sold in this way by not very honest merchats)
You wouldn’t have to dilute with anything, just make as “double” or “triple” strength and reduce the amount you use in your drink or recipe. This is how the Watson brand sells all of their extracts and you really can tell the difference in flavor intensity.
Just curious… are you currently using vanilla or vanilla flavoring? I can’t imagine using a tablespoon of vanilla in a drink – the vanilla flavoring or syrup sold in the store is something else entirely, it is a sugar syrup flavored with vanilla, quite different than vanilla extract.
Are there any combimations (kinds of alcohol + certain vanilla beans) that you recommend? Clearly different combinations will make the vanilla taste differently. I was just wondering your recommendations.
Thanks
Heh! All you need now are cute bottles, corks or caps for them, and ribbons, and you’ve got Christmas presents covered for all the in-laws! TJ
That is great! I have been telling my husband that I wish I could splurge and buy a gallon of vanilla because I go through it fast and it is so expensive! I’m thinking this just might be the answer to my prayers! Thank you so much!
I’m curious about the shelf life…any idea how long it would be “good”? Also, I’ve never tasted bourbon or vodka, any recommendations on which to use? Thanks.
I made some of this last year (much stronger, though, 25 beans to 750ml vodka), and it’s fantastic! Since it’s extracted in alcohol, it should last for years (but I’m going through mine pretty quick!).
I used a Icelandic vodka, which the helpful liquor-store employee told me had the clearest, most neutral flavor. That’ll give you a pure vanilla flavor. The bourbon is more, hm, caramel-y? Have fun!
Do you leave your beans in the jar of booze forever? I’ve had mine for about 6 months and haven’t seen anything go wrong yet… but then again I’ve said that before with mixed results.
The tutorial I used last year to make this said to strain out the solids (with cheesecloth, probably) after 6 months, but I still haven’t got around to it, and it’s been a year, and no problems yet! The directions also suggested re-using the strained beans to flavor sugar. Obviously wouldn’t be very strong, but a hint of vanilla seems better than throwing them out right away :-)
In the September issue of Cook’s Illustrated, there’s a recipe for homemade vanilla extract that only takes a week! Same basic instructions, only you heat the vodka at the start. I broke my jar last night, and I’m not sure what to do about waiting a week. I’m very glad not to have to wait a month!
I bought a 20 oz jar of vanilla extract and I can’t wait until that runs out so that I can try this!!
Do you know how long it will keep in the mason jars?
As long as the jars you use are sterilized and your mixture doesn’t become contaminated it’ll last indefinitely, just like the vodka/booze you are starting with!
this is AWESOME – so excited to try it. Are there ant worries as far as contamination as with making flavored oils?
the alcohol with keep away any contamination worries.
I am SO going to have to try this. I’m sick of spending a fortune on vanilla extract and this is SO easy. Thanks for the fantastic tip!!
I ordered my beans this morning and have had two bottles of absolute laying around….aahhh I can’t wait! I think I will sell them at the craft shows!
Any idea where to get the bottles?
Thanks for the recipe!!
I love classic Ball jars that you can probably get from the grocery or hardware store.
Perfect for gifts!!
I have a question, though…after you put the lids on the jars do you need to seal the jars in boiling water like you do when canning? Thanks!!
no need to seal the jar at all!
Oh, good!! That is my least favorite part of canning.
Thanks!!
Ellison:
NEVER DO THAT!!!! Alcohol is flammable.
Although you can sterilize in pressured water steam or boiling water, a leak of alcohol near flame may cause fire or injuries.
Moreover, alcohol (CH3-CH2-OH) is a natural preservative, as Joy said there is no need for anything else.
ALWAYS HANDLE ALCOHOL WITH CARE!!!!!
You may ask how is it distilled, well: very careful and isolating from fire.
hey dude.
will you email me at joy at joythebaker dot com.
we should chat.
thanks
joy
The shelf-life for pure vanilla extract is indefinite. In an interview with Ina Garten, she talks about making her own extract and said that she simply adds beans and more alcohol to her stash. When you have a good quality alcohol for the curing, you won’t need to worry about the shelf life, especially vodka. Also, if you don’t use all your vanilla beans, they stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to six months in a sealed container.
To those wanting to sell the vanilla at craft shows, you need to check the laws in your state. In my state, hard liquor is regulated and sold only through state stores. It would be illegal for me to sell any product that contained alcohol (I know this because I make room sprays with fragrance oils and vodka and I can’t sell it). Your state may be different but you MIGHT be required to have a special liquor license to sell it as well as be limited WHERE you can sell it.
I just ordered my beans today. I can’t wait to get my extracts going!
Is there a substitute for alcohol?
i’m afraid not.
vanilla extract is definitely what i’m giving away for Christmas this year.
thank you, joy!
JOY… I MADE VANILLA!
Heck YA! you totally rock for sharing this recipe. I used some good ol’ Sailor Jerry’s rum and loads of vanilla pods. Now to wait. my two months aren’t up yet.
But I am giddy with excitiment. how amazing that soon i’ll get to use my own vanilla extract?! pretty cool!
and all thanks to you. Cheers!
high five. on the real.
Hi Joy!
Just discovered your site and love it! Question- do you use your homemade vanilla in the same quantities as you did with the store bought stuff? Less? more? Can’t wait to try this :)
Thanks so much!
Bonnie
i usually use the same amount as store bought vanilla. sometimes just a touch more.
Vanilla beans can be bought individually for $1.00 a piece at whole foods, in the spice/tea aisle. They are in one of those glass jar things that look like they should have candy in them. I’ve used them to make vanilla sugar, but this looks like a better idea. I’m going to try it soon, thanks.
I always add a sugar syrup to mine at the end. Have you ever done that? I tried making it with Bourbon but didn’t care for the taste. Vodka works wonderful. I always have a stash of vanilla extract in the cabinet. We joke that people waddle when they leave our house because of my vanilla extract in the desserts! lol
Joy,
I happened upon your blog several weeks ago and have since become an ardent reader. Man, am I diggin’ your chocolate molasses cookies…but I can hardly wait to create this nilla XOX-tract to give away as gifts for my upcoming wedding!
One question, can I also add cinnamon sticks? If so, how many would you recommend per cup, if I were to use 3 vanilla beans?
I was thinking about selling real cupcakes (real organic butter, organic sugar, and organic flour) at my farmers market here next year and I was trying to think about how to do the vanilla extract. I saw an organic vodka from rain! This is great!!! How long is it good for after the two months it takes to make?
Thank you!
Jennifer
it’s good forever!
hi love face.
so i have 2 types of vanilla extract a’brewin.
when i give them their weekly shake, i notice some major random floaties.
is this normal?
should i just strain it when these babies are ready to hatch?
i fear that i have somehow failed… assure me wise one.
-Annie
Joy… mine still smells… boozy.. what to do?? It has been WAY longer than 2 monthes.
Hi – I stumbled across this and am interested in making extract for Christmas gifts. I’m curious though – and maybe this is a really dumb question – does the recipe work just as well if I cut it? I want to put the beans in small, cute jars with cork tops – maybe that hold about 2/3 cup. So if I just use 2 beans, is that fine? Also, I want people to be able to just add more vodka and make the extract last forever, so I shouldn’t strain it or anything, right? Thanks!
i think you’re totally on the right track with two beans in each jar…. and just leave them in there so people can just add more booze to the extract to keep it going.
Perfect! I posted not long ago a homemade peppermint extract with all the herbs growing on my deck. I was wondering how to make vanilla extract so I can make organic without spending $20+ a bottle! I will be starting this tomorrow with my bottle of absolut :) Thanks!
I had the same problem as amy, the alcohol flavor is way strong
YAWZA! Me too…just opened the jar…so excited after 2 months of waiting…and shaking. Then, smelled it and blinked. Took a taste, and WOA. Tastes like I just took a shot of straight Bourbon! This isn’t a hard thing to do…so…what aren’t we doing correctly Joy?
Thanks!
It’s not going to lose it’s ‘boozy’ characteristics. It’s a pure extract, no sugar syrup has been added.. it’s not going to be sweet! That’s a good thing. Add a little to a cup of coffee or something that you can sweeten, then you’ll really be able to taste it. Thanks so much for the instruction, my vanilla is deeeeeeelicious!
Joy, I’m in the process of making my extract. It’s only been a month but it just looks and smells great. I plan on never buying vanilla extract from the store again. Thanks for the recipe.
You can also do this:
buy about 6-8 plums, pierce with a fork,
add them to the bourbon with the vanilla beans plus about 3-4 cinnamon sticks and some sugar (as much or little as you want)
give it a big stir to help dissolve the sugar and put that in a dark corner for a couple of months, then, have some amazing goodness for christmas time, or, just a lazy cold night at home with some Panettone or some ice cream.
I just received some Tahitian Vanilla Beans I ordered….the cheapest I could find. $4.95 for 11….ordered 2 pkg and with shipping it came to $14.85 for 22 beans. I think that is a good deal. Now all I need is the booze…hehe. I am going to make this recipe for some Christmas presents.
Thank you!!
i just wanted you to know that, just like half your readers, i have two and a half cups of this stuff marinating in my cupboard and cute tiny bottles sitting by my bed… i’m sure amazon loves you for suggesting to all of us that we do this. :)
I got my beans from here:
http://stores.ebay.com/Vanilla-Products-USA
and they were fantastic! And very inexpensive, I think I ended up spending :$12 for 85 beans! Yay! Thanks for such a great site, Joy!
This is so awesome! I wish I found this earlier, so I could make some extract for Christmas gifts. Oh well, more for me^_~ (nah, of course i’ll share. sharing is caring)
Anyways! I wanted to share a little tidbit. My husband brews his own beer and the store he buys his supplies from has tons of spices and such for flavoring. They have various vanilla beans too which are priced pretty decent, most start at around $1.75 and go down the more you buy. So checking out your local home brew store is a great alternative.
Also, he says that they have big bags of local honey for about $5. I’d never thought to think of a place like this for baking needs: )
Can’t wait to make this ;) I really like the idea of making my own stuff, homemade is always the best!
I have read the whole blog looking for some ideas on combinations.. not really sure which way to go. I bake a lot of cookies, cakes, pies and make homemade buttercream. Any suggestions on a combination of beans with a type of alcohol? And this might be a stupid question but is this alcohol still potent, if someone drank it would they get intoxicated? Thanks!
Oh Joy, you are amazing!
I’ve been “brewing” my homemade vanilla for about 3 weeks, (it’s so exciting!)
When I first looked for beans I almost had a heart attack. They are VERY expensive but I ended finding this gem of a place:
http://www.amadeusvanillabeans.com/store/organic/extraction_beans.asp
I got half a pound for about $27.00 and they are glorious. :)
I can’t wait to give this wonderful gift to my friends and of course keep some for myself.
BTW, I got a great vodka at Trader Joe’s, “Vodka of the gods”.
Thanks Joy!
P.S. When I give this, should I strain the beans or leave it as is?
Love your blog and stumbled across this recipe recently! Just got my started and can’t wait to try it in a few months. Thanks for the fun/useful idea!
Hi Joy! Love your Blog, recipes, facebook page! When you did ASK JOY a few weeks ago, I didn’t have a question, but now I do. My mother just gave me a HUGE bottle of pure, natural vanilla that she thinks my brother brought back from his last trip to Italy… which was probably 20 years ago (maybe more!!). Now, I just spent a week at my Mom’s house and I threw out a ridiculous amount of expired, ugly, nasty food so I’m leary. I did bring it home with the hope that it ages well. It smells fine. Thanks Joy!
I’m going to try making my own for fun too. Thanks for these instructions.
Hey you guys i get my vanilla beans from etsy, heres the link to this great seller:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61947781/4-bourbon-madagascar-vanilla-beans?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=vanilla+beans&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=supplies
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