How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vanilla beans combined with alcohol yield vanilla extract.

Vanilla extracts brings a subtle vanilla flavor to beverages and baked goods. Homemade vanilla extract has a purer vanilla taste than commercial products. Preparing the extract is simple. It requires only two ingredients. Although it takes a long time before it's ready to use, homemade vanilla extract lasts for years.

Things You'll Need

• 4 cups vodka
• Jar with tight lid
• 4 vanilla beans

Instructions

1. Pour 4 cups of vodka into a tall jar.

2. Add 4 vanilla beans. You can use fewer beans, but the resulting extract will be lighter in color and less flavorful.

3. Put the lid on the jar and place it in an out-of-the-way location.

4. Wait approximately one month before using the extract.

Tips & Warnings

• Because vodka has little flavor of its own, it produces the most intense vanilla flavor. However, you can use rum or bourbon instead.

• When choosing vanilla beans, opt for the Madagascar or Mexican varieties. They are more flavorful than Tahitian beans.

• To keep your supply of vanilla extract constant, add vodka to the jar every time you use some of the extract.

References

• "The Secret Benefits of Spices and Condiments"; Vijaya Kuman; 2000
• "Damn Good Food: 157 Recipes for Hell's Kitchen"; Mitch Omer et al.; 2009
• "Simply Vanilla: Recipes for Everyday Use"; Patty Elsberry et al.; 2007