How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Learn How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract at home using only 2 ingredients - vanilla beans and vodka or rum. And the best part of this vanilla extract is that it has a more defined vanilla flavor at a fraction of the cost. You won't be looking back once you try this!
Equipment
- a glass jar or bottle (even liquor bottle works), available at Amazon
- labels available at Amazon
Ingredients
- 8 vanilla beans (grade B or A works just fine) , see notes for difference
- 1- 1 ½ cup vodka or rum , 70 proof/35% alcohol
Instructions
- Slice open each vanilla bean using a pairing knife. Scrape out the vanilla specks from the vanilla beans and place vanilla bean and specks in a jar or bottle.
- Add liquor into the jar. Make sure the bean is completely submerged in alcohol. You may cut the beans if desired. Tightly close the bottle or jar. Store it in a dark cool place. Label the bottle with date and shake vigorously.
- While the vanilla extract is aging, shake the bottle at least once a week. After 8 weeks you can start using the extract. HOWEVER, the flavor becomes vastly superior the longer you let it age in the bottle. For best results, you should patiently wait for a minimum of 6-12 months.
Notes
- Vanilla Beans are also classified as Grade A or Grade B. As you can see in the above photo, Grade A is plump and B is not. Grade A vanilla beans or superior gourmet vanilla beans have higher water content making them easier to scrape out, but they're quite expensive. Grade B (the skinny ones) on the other hand tend to be dry due to its lower moisture content, but it's perfect for making extract. As always, feel free to use whatever you have, though.
- For a free printable label, you can click this LINK HERE.