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5 from 7 votes

Pure Vanilla Extract Recipe

Make your own pure vanilla extract with 2 simple ingredients: vanilla beans and vodka. Simple to make and makes a great gift.  Give a bottle of homemade vanilla extract with a favorite cookie recipe card! 
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword extract, pure, vanilla
Prep Time 5 minutes
aging 60 days
Total Time 60 days 5 minutes
Servings 15 bottles
Calories 256kcal
Cost $5-$6/bottle

Equipment

  • small funnel
  • 15 (4 oz.) bottles or 7 (8 oz. bottles)
  • sticker labels
  • knife
  • cutting board

Ingredients

  • 1.75 L vodka 80 proof
  • 6 oz. grade b vanilla beans (3-4 beans per jar for 4 oz. 6-8 beans per jar for 8 oz.)

Instructions

  • You will need 3-4 vanilla beans and 1/2 cup of vodka for each (4 oz) bottle that you plan on making.
    Slice each vanilla bean in half, lenghtwise.
    hand holding two sliced vanilla pods
  • Place vanilla inside bottle. Trim the vanilla to make it fit.
    bottle with vanilla pods inside
  • Pour vodka into the bottle using a small funnel. Add lid. Give the bottle a gentle shake.
    small funnel in bottle opening
  • Store vanilla extract in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard for at least 3 months before using (6-12 months is ideal). Periodically turn the bottle over and shake to disperse flavor.
    Vanilla will darken as it sits.
    fresh bottle of vanilla extract

Video

Notes

RATIO: 1/2 cup of vodka (4 oz.) plus .5 oz vanilla beans = 1 (4 oz.) bottle of pure vanilla extract. 1 cup of vodka (8 oz.) plus 1 oz. vanilla beans = 1 (8 oz.) bottle.
When you run out of vanilla, add more vodka and the vanilla beans will continue to flavor it. Pure vanilla extract gets better with age. 
There is no expiration on pure vanilla extract. It will last indefinitely.
Store at room temperature in a cupboard. Periodically give it a shake to disperse color and flavor. If using clear jars keep them in a dark location. 
Calories are based on 1 bottle of pure vanilla extract, not one serving of vanilla.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcal