Homemade Vanilla Extract

In this Instructable, I am going to show you how to make vanilla extract at home!

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Follow the easy steps below, watch the short video tutorial, or do both!

Ingredients:

1. 26 to 30 Vanilla beans. I get mine from a small US family-owned online store called Vanilla Bean Kings. (affiliate link)
2. approx. 3 cups or 24 oz of Vodka or other 70 to 100 proof alcohol. (approx. 750ml)

Tools/Equipment:

1. Jar with a lid like a mason jar or other bottle
2. Knife

This step is optional. Slice the beans in half, then slit them down the middle, and then slice them in half again. BUT you do not have to slice them at all. Some people just throw the whole beans into the jar. I prefer to open them up because it turns out better in my opinion.

Now just add those slices of vanilla beans to a jar with a lid and then pour in the Vodka or other alcohol like Bourbon, Rum, or Brandy.

Add a label to the jar with the date that you made it. It will take about 6 months to be ready. :)

Finally, the long wait is over, and you can use that homemade vanilla extract. I prefer to keep the extract in the same jar with the beans, but you can strain it if you like to get a clearer and smoother extract as you would buy at the store. If you do strain it, save those pods and scrape out the inside and use it in baking, ice cream, etc. Or create a vanilla sugar from it.

This makes an awesome gift. You could buy small bottles and a label maker and make cool gifts for the holidays.

Enjoy!

*Print the vanilla extract recipe here if you want.

Now watch those steps in action with this video tutorial!