DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract takes just two simple ingredients to make.
Great to use or to gift.
Did you know that you can make your own homemade vanilla extract? You absolutely can and it only takes TWO ingredients. Which means: 1.It’s ridiculously easy and 2. You should really use the highest quality ingredients you can find. Quality counts. These make amazing gifts this time of year and who wouldn’t appreciate a bottle of homemade vanilla extract?
You can send me a case of it if you like and I would be a very happy camper. Now that I know you want to make your own, let’s talk about the three B’s that you’ll need to get started: Bottles, Beans and Booze.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT?
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BOTTLES. Bottles come in all shapes and sizes. Go ahead and find the ones that you like. I picked these Italian square GLASS BOTTLES with clamp stoppers. I like these bottles because once they are sealed, they are airtight and you don’t have to worry about spills.
BEANS. VANILLA BEANS should 1. smell like vanilla and 2. Be plump and supple. Take a hard pass on any shriveled up beans.
BOOZE. You can use Bourbon or Vodka. For these I used Makers Mark and Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka. I also like Tito’s Vodka. It’s what we had handy in the house.
HOW LONG DO YOU LET IT SIT?
The longer you let your vanilla steep, sit a spell, mix and mingle, whichever phrase you like best, the better it will be. Because I know you’re going to open it to smell it just know that the first week or so it will have a strong alcohol smell to it as it ages it the vanilla will marry with the alcohol and smell like, you guessed it, vanilla.
TIP: If you’re giving these as gifts adding a printable tag would be a nice finishing touch. If you need my address just let me know.
DIY Vanilla Extract
DIY Vanilla Extract is made using 2 simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- vanilla beans, 3-4 per bottle (depending on your bottle size)
- High quality bourbon or vodka
Instructions
- Clean your bottles. Set aside.
- Carefully slice down vanilla beans using a pairing knife so that seeds are exposed. Place 3-4 vanilla beans into each bottle.
- Fill bottles with your choice of bourbon of vodka making sure that liquid is covering beans. Seal bottles and place in a cool dark place.
- Shake bottles once a week. Allow bottles to steep for approximately 6-8 weeks before using.
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DessertForTwo says
Why aren’t we neighbors yet? I would love to bring a bottle of this to your house and bake together 🙂
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
I can not believe I didn’t know vanilla extract was alcohol based!!! Now I know why I love it ;}
So fun and lovely.
Angie says
What pretty photos! Can’t wait to make some of this for myself.
solita says
Hi, there! Long time fan of your blog. I was windering how long is the shelf life of this? Thanks!
Whitney @ The Newlywed Chefs says
Love this. Perfect for a homemade holiday gift!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Paula, I haven’t done this in so long. Time to try it again!
Janet says
I have been making my own vanilla for years. It’s so wonderful compared to what you buy in the stores. I use Cognac for mine and it’s fabulous but maybe I should try making it with Bourbon and just drink the Cognac!
Annie says
Making DIY extracts have been on my to-do list for awhile. I even bought some bottles from Crate and Barrel! I just need to get around to…actually doing it.
Tess @ Tips on Healthy Living says
This is one of those thing I would buy, and never think to make. I will have to give this a try. What sorts of recipes do you use vanilla extract with?
Jackie {The Beeroness} says
I totally need to do this. I always think about it and then forget. I love those bottles, so cute!
Pam says
Can you say what the shelf life would be? i’m wondering if we started making this in the summer and let them sit til Christas for gift giving?
thanks!
pam
Marly says
Wouldn’t this make a great gift for someone special? Homemade vanilla? Love it!
Mikesmom says
First I would wash the bottles and rinse 3 times with boiled water to be sure that all the soap residue is removed. From all the resources I’ve read vanilla extract should last forever if kept in a dark place. Always start with high quality ingredients and keep the vanilla beans covered with alcohol at all times. Discard if contents becomes moldy.