Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
Our homemade vanilla extract is easy to make, has a bold, rich flavor, and makes a thoughtful gift for the foodie in your life.
Servings: 1 8-ounce bottle
Calories: 594kcal
Ingredients
- 6 vanilla beans
- 8 ounces high-proof grain alcohol i.e. Everclear 189/190, see notes
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla beans lengthwise from end to end. Place the split vanilla beans in a swing-top bottle or a small canning jar.
- Pour the grain alcohol over the beans. Close the lid, and shake well. Place in a cool, dark spot to infuse for at least 8 weeks, but preferably up to 6-12 months. Shake daily (or as often as you remember).
- The vanilla is ready to use when it is dark in color and strong in flavor. As you use the vanilla, top off the bottle with more grain alcohol to continuously brew more vanilla. Discard the beans and add new ones when the vanilla starts to taste weak.
Notes
- If Everclear 189/190 isn’t available in your area, Everclear 151 or 120 will do the trick. If you cannot purchase Everclear at all, the highest proof vodka you can find will work. You’ll need to infuse much longer (closer to the 12-month mark) and use more vanilla beans per bottle of extract.
- Download our free labels in the post and then print them onto Avery 2 ½” round water-resistant labels.
Nutrition
Serving: 1whole bottle | Calories: 594kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg
