Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vodka and Vanilla Beans New Batch/Old Batch

Making your own vanilla extract is very easy and less expensive buying it at the store. It does have a waiting period of about 2 months for the flavor to develop, so make sure to plan ahead. The taste and smell are worth the wait.

For the best deal on vanilla beans, try ebay, although the prices on Amazon are pretty good too. There are many differences in opinion on the bean to alcohol ratio. I go with 3-4 beans per cup of alcohol. I use vodka, but rum, bourbon and brandy can be used as well.

Homemade Vanilla Extract
4 cups vodka
12 grade B vanilla beans

• Cut the vanilla beans in half crosswise and lengthwise.
• Place them in a quart jar.
• Fill the jar with vodka.
• Let the jar sit in a cool, dark place for about 2 months, shaking occasionally.
• After 2 months it's ready to use.
• Pour some of the vanilla into a separate jar to use.
• Then top off your quart jar with more vodka.

Notes: You can reuse the beans, but I only reuse them 2-3 times before starting fresh.