How to Make Vanilla Extract From Scratch

Use vanilla beans to make your own extract.

Vanilla extract is an essential cooking ingredient, but can be one of the most expensive spices. Make your own real vanilla extract using high-quality ingredients, with no artificial colors or sweeteners. Premium vanilla extract can be used for all your cooking and baking needs. It can be used in candies, ice cream, cakes, pies and to flavor almost anything. When placed in a decorative bottle and tied with a ribbon, homemade vanilla extract makes an elegant gift for any cooking enthusiast.

Things You'll Need

• Vanilla beans
• Vodka, 80 proof
• Dark glass bottle with tight-fitting cap
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Choose premium, grade B vanilla beans. Look for beans that are 6 to 8 inches long with a rich aroma. Short beans with little scent are not premium. Purchase 5 to 8 vanilla beans per cup of vodka.

2. Cut the beans in half lengthwise, leaving about 1/2 inch intact at each end.

3. Place the vanilla beans in a clean, dark-colored glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Pour in a quality vodka at a ratio of 1 cup for every 5 to 8 beans.

4. Place the lid on the bottle and store in a cool, dark place to allow the flavors to form. Gently shake the bottle daily for the first week to mix the vanilla and vodka. Over the next three weeks, shake the bottle a few times a week.

5. Begin using the extract after the fourth week. The flavor continues maturing for six months. If you like, you can pour in new vodka as you use the extract to make it last longer.

Tips & Warnings

• Vanilla extract is like a bottle of fine wine and gets better as it ages. After a period of time (6 months), you may want to strain the skins and scrapings from the extract. Vanilla beans are fresh for about 6 months and all extraction has finished.

References

• Simply Recipes: How to Make Vanilla Extract
• Organic Authority: Homemade Vanilla Extract