How to Make Vanilla Extract

Name: How to Make Vanilla Extract
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 183 d 10 min
Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients: 1 cup (8 ounces) vodka, bourbon, brandy, or rum; 1 (8 ounce) jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid; 6 whole vanilla beans

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Prep Time
10 mins
Additional Time
183 d
Total Time
183 d 10 mins
Servings
1 cup
Calories
554 kcal
Course
Condiments
Cuisine
American

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Maisie Hall

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You can make your own homemade vanilla extract in about 10 minutes with just 2 ingredients. No cooking required!

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Ingredients

Servings

1 cup (8 ounces) vodka, bourbon, brandy, or rum
1 (8 ounce) jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid (these are the bottles that I use)
6 whole vanilla beans (I prefer Madagascar vanilla beans or Tahitian vanilla beans)

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Instructions

Pour the alcohol into an 8-ounce jar.
Use a sharp knife to slice each vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Trim the beans to fit the size and shape of your jar (cutting in half horizontally, if necessary).
Place the vanilla beans in the alcohol, making sure that the beans are completely submerged in the liquid. You can trim the beans, as necessary, to fit the size and shape of your jar. Seal tightly and let stand in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry) for at least 2 months, or ideally 6-12 months (the longer it sits, the better the flavor). Shake the bottle occasionally.
As you start to use the vanilla, you can continue to refill the bottle. Just add extra alcohol to cover the beans, shake the jar, and store in the pantry.

Notes

Any size jar or bottle that's at least 8 ounces or larger will work; just make sure that you cut the vanilla beans so that they're completely submerged in the alcohol.
I like these 8-ounce bottles or these 16-ounce bottles for larger batches.
Use a small funnel to quickly and neatly pour the alcohol into your bottles.
Madagascar, Tahitian, or Mexican vanilla beans will all work. I use these.
I know it's hard to be patient, but it's important to let the vanilla extract sit for at least 2 months (and preferably 6-12 months) to develop the best flavor.
Shake the bottle occasionally as it sits so that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the alcohol.
Refill the vanilla extract as you use it! Just add more alcohol to cover the beans, shake, and store in the pantry until you need it again. These beans are the gift that keeps on giving!