How to Make Vanilla Extract
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.
253 Comments Add A Comment
Hi Joy,
I’ve been eyeing this ever since you first posted it but never got around to actually getting all the ingredients I needed (finding a mason-ish jar took a ridiculously long time). Buuuuuut: my vanilla beans are soaking in a wonderful bath of bouron now! Exciting! :)
I’m confused — it seems like this would just make vanilla flavored liquor. I was hoping to do this for my sister for Christmas then I noticed two things: (1) it takes two months to make extract and (2) she doesn’t drink. *Cue sad trombone*
Talia,
All extracts, be it Vanilla, Lemon, Almond, etc. Have a HIGH alcohol content. It doesn’t seem like it be if you read the tiny print on any extract you get at the store, you have about more alcohol in it than a bottle of beer or wine. I understand that your sister doesn’t drink, I have a friend who doesn’t either, but its kinda what you get when you make or buy extract. I hope you find this comment helpful my dear! Good luck Christmas shopping for your dear sister!
<3 Megs
Thanks, Megan! I’ve decided to do this anyway and tell her just not to use it for two months. And I had no idea that extract actually had alcohol in it — then I looked in my cupboard. Amazing the things you learn when you read labels! Thanks again!
Great recipe! Can’t wait to try it!
How long will the extract keep for?
Thanks!
Why not just put vanilla beans in the bottle the alcohol came in? Sure cuts down on the steps AND the reasons to procrastinate ;-)
Exactly. I went through all the trouble to find a glass bottle, but was never thrilled with my choice. Got it home with the vanilla bean, vodka, and extra jar. Split the bean in half and started to add it to the jar and thought… duh… I’ll just drop it in the vodka bottle. !!! Love it! Really taste great and makes wonderful cookies, banana bread, etc!!
Talia – Doesn’t regular, store-bought vanilla extract contain alcohol? It sure does taste like it when I accidentally lick (I know, ew) my finger when I spill a little. Blech. :)
This sounds amazing! How long is the shelf life of the vanilla once it’s brewed and cracked open?
@ Jenny-Rose, I just read on Mother Nature Network today that vanilla extract does not go bad…it is considered a “forever-food” as the alcohol content prevents any kind of spoilage…just keep it in a dark cupboard. Thank for the recipe…just what I need for some last minute Christmas gifts. I am going to have to put a do not open until February sticker on them thought ;)
Okay, I have never bought vodka or bourbon before, and I am completely stumped. Am I looking for the good stuff here or will anything do? Any chance you’ll recommend a particular kind/brand? Also, I bought what are labeled Premium Bourbon-Madagascar beans–do you think they’d be better in vodka or bourbon? I’m so confused, but I have an abundance of beans, I’ve already stuck a couple in sugar, I really want to make some good extract.
Thanks for your help.
those are some great beans. go with a clean vodka. absolute vodka is good. hope this helps!
I appreciate the information and am looking forward to making vanilla extract. I have been making my on vanilla syrup for coffee for some months and the extract from the local stores is expensive and not always the same quality. This syrup is just like Starbucks and easy to make and the alcohol burns off. Instructions as follows: 1 pot large enough to hold ingredients, 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 2 to 4 tablespoons vanilla extract (depending on your own taste). (1) Bring the water & sugar to a boil, dissolving the sugar completely. (2) Take the pot off the burner and add the extract, stirring to completely mix. (3) Let sit until cool. (4) Pour into tight fitting container (I have used everything from a liquor bottle to a mason jar). (5) Refrigerate.
I’ve been making vanilla for years. My ingredients are a little different. I was told to use whatever proof vodka I wanted and only one bean per bottle, then let sit for a month. I like your version better. Makes sense to have a more potent alcohol content to draw out the vanilla oil. One question, is it necessary to cut the bean? I would think the oil would infuse regardless. By the way, just bought a package of Madagascar vanilla beans (2 in a bag) for only $2.99 at Old World Market. A lot cheaper than the grocery store!
I bought like 60 on ebay for really cheap!!
Do you strain out the seeds after it’s done?
I recently found an awesome place that specializes in Vanilla beans and saffron. Way way way less expensive that most other places I have looked at online. Their site is http://www.saffron.com/ . I bought my saffron there and it is extremely high quality and so much more reasonably prices that any other I have bought. With the saffron purchase they sent a free gift of vanilla beans .. they were much nicer than the ones I buy from my usual online spice place. That is http://wholespice.com/ . They usually have wonderful high quality spices I have never had any allergic reactions like I do to the stuff that comes from grocery store. However the saffron and vanilla beans from Vanilla, saffron imports tops them in both quality and price. Just thought I would share.
My vanilla extract is about to be ready! I can’t wait to use it – and to make for others for the holidays next year!
You mentioned that you bought some vanilla beans on ebay for cheap so I went and checked it out and they are super cheap! Are they even worth buying, would they be good to make extract with?
Actually Michele, the beans mentioned above in Mom24′s post says that she purchased Premium Vanilla beans which would mean grade “A”. Most extract is made from grade “B” Vanilla beans because of blemishes. Grade “B” is just as quality as “A” but have a blimish or two on them ususally. Grade “C” and lower are usually more oily and can be used for extract too, but usually not as good as “A” or “B”. These are a stal on Ebay, and yes they are wonderful to use for extract.
My niece shared your website with me and I want to try making Homemade Vanilla Extract. Once it is done, what do you do with the beans..strain it or leave them in.
leave them right in the jar!
I have had the same vanilla bottle going for about 14 years (not exaggerating) …when it gets low…I just add another cup of booze and 3-4 more beans! There’s about 2″ of beans in the bottom of my jar…and the vanilla just keeps getting better and better. I use brandy instead of vodka. It would be interesting to try it with vodka for sure!
I have had the same vanilla bottle going for about 14 years (not exaggerating) …when it gets low…I just add another cup of booze and 3-4 more beans! There’s about 2″ of beans in the bottom of my jar…and the vanilla just keeps getting better and better. I use brandy instead of vodka. It would be interesting to try it with vodka for sure!
I have been making my own Vanilla Extract for about a year now and I love it. I like to use a combination of Madagascar and Tahitian beans, and I use Svedka Vodka. It’s a little on the cheaper side, but tastes like a higher quality vodka.
dont use anything more pricey than $11 or so a handle for vodka. just run the cheap stuff through a brita or other activated carbon filter a bunch of times and it will be clean enough to use for any extract or tincture……or coctail.
For those who are asking about buying beans on eBay – I bought some from this company last year: http://stores.ebay.com/Vanilla-Products-USA
I got both Madagascar Bourbon beans and Tahitian Planifolia. Everyone I’ve asked says that while the Tahitian smells great, the Madagascar smells *amazing*. I use the Madagascar when I’m baking something where the vanilla flavor will really come through, and the Tahitian when it doesn’t matter much. But the Tahitian is also really really good, don’t get me wrong!
My main point here is that the vanilla beans from that company on eBay are really cheap, and they make GREAT vanilla extract. :)
Just started my first batch today… super excited! :D
I second the recommendation for getting the beans from Vanilla Products USA (I bought directly from their website, not eBay). I got 1 lb. of Madagascar Bourbon Grade B Extract beans for $24.95 (approx. 150 beans). You do not want to get the Grade A beans because they contain more moisture and you will get a lot less per pound. The flavor comes from the pod and seeds, not the moisture in the bean.
I have read on Vanilla Review that the proper portion of beans to vodka is 6 beans per 8 oz. vodka. Anything less is vanilla flavored vodka.
Woohoo!
What a super easy recipe and to think it’s taken me so long to find it….
I’m making some this weekend and sharing the recipe on my blog/site http://www.bakedinmaine.com
Cheers!
~Lisa
I can’t wait to try this!!!
I just made some and am looking forward to it. Since the formula is 3 beans per cup of vodka or other alcohol, and I had 2 beans, I used 1/3 cup of bourbon for one bean and 1/3 cup of vodka for the other bean and put them in separate jars. I always save the glass spice jars with the plastic lids, like Spice Hunter or other brands. The one-bean mixture fills the jar about 2/3 full. It should work great, and I look forward to seeing which formula we like better.
Conni B
I’m attempting to make vanilla extract and today is Day 2. I’m just curious as to why the liquid is so cloudy. Is that normal? All the other pictures of homemade extracts that I’ve seen are clear, or have they been strained?
I’m not sure why you’re getting cloudy extract. What kind of alcohol did you use?
Can you reuse the beans to make another batch of vanilla extract?
sure! they just won’t be as strong!
thanks!!!
I did a test run with all 3 alcohol choices to see which one I would prefer to give at Christmas. I’ve used each one in different recipes & decided that I am going to make all 3 batches to give away. Can’t wait! :)
Thanks for posting this recipe. I can’t wait to try it. I just bought vanilla beans on ebay here is the link.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150605106807&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
70 beans for $22 that’s including shipping. Came from France and very speedy shipping. I can’t wait to give vanilla extract for Christmas gifts.
I made this a few months ago, I used dark rum in mine. It’s so delicious! I use it in everything. I suggest everyone make this and then throw out you store bought stuff! Thanks for this post!
It has always confused me how to make Vanilla Extract. I bought Vanilla Extract from Mexico and used the last of it. It was so much better than USA stuff. Not wanting to go to Mexico to get a bottle I looked up How to make Vanilla Extract and all the comments were just what I needed to hear. In my area, the bottle of Vanilla Beans were 2 to a bottle and were $9 and $10 dollars per bottle. I bought 3 bottles and could not open them up. A friend told me where to go to get them cheaper in my area and I found 3 beans to a bottle for right at $8.00 per bottle then I took the other ones back and got a refund. I placed 2 in a bottle of Vodka and 2 in a bottle of Brandy. Just couldn’t use 3 beans at that price. I will check out the ebay site to get a larger supply for my next batches. I started mine October 30, 2011 and can’t wait to see what I come up with using different alcohol. Thanks so much for the information I received from the comments and How to make Vanilla.
Can you use dried vanilla bean to make the extract?
i think so, yes!
I just opened a batch I made 14 weeks ago. I used 8 great beans with a pint of vodka. It doesn’t look as dark or smell as good as the store bought stuff so I’m a bit disappointed. Haven’t tried it yet though. Is it supposed to be really dark and smell really strong?
My daughter just told me about your site! It’s awesome! It just so happens that yesterday I was watching a program on Raymond Blanc, an amazing French chef with an incredible restaurant in England, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, anyway, I am rambling…. He made a vanilla paste that took less than an hour. He made a simple syrup with sugar and water, let it cool. He then chopped several beans put those in a blender and added the syrup. You can store it for months in a jar in the fridge. Enjoy!
I just started a batch yesterday! I’m so excited and can’t wait to use it!
http://sewtheday.com/2012/03/21/making-vanilla-extract/
Making my first vanilla extract! I’m fifteen and a HUGE fan of Joy and baking in general, this is so great to know! Cannot wait till mine is done :)