You may not be mentally ready to start preparing for the Christmas season but now is the perfect time to start making your own vanilla! It needs to sit for 4-6 months before it’s ready so if you are interested, you better get going. Homemade vanilla extract is great to use in all your holiday baking since you know exactly what’s in it. Did you know that some store bought versions contain corn syrup!?
Homemade vanilla also makes for a very unique gift idea. Put it in a pretty bottle and give as a lovely hostess gift. I have also given these as teacher gifts in the past. Homemade vanilla extract is so easy and doesn’t take much to get going. You just need Vanilla Beans and Vodka. Yes, that’s it! Get high quality vanilla beans and a mid-range bottle of vodka. I used Deep Eddy Vodka. You will taste a difference in flavor if you use cheap ingredients, so don’t skimp!
Step 1: Start by opening up each of your vanilla beans with a knife. Just slice a line along one side (just like a green bean) and it will open it up. Make sure that the inside (beans) are exposed, the real flavor will come from there. (The beans look like a dark gritty paste). Make sure that anything that falls out of the beans all goes into the jar or glass container you are using.
Step 2: Put your whole beans into a glass jar or glass container. Add in vodka. You will need about 20 or so beans for a liter of vodka, more if you want to flavor it faster, less if you have more time for it to brew. If you want a smaller batch, try 4-6 beans for 8oz of vodka
Step 3: After you add the vodka, put a lid on the container and give it a shake. Store it in a cool dry place and give it another shake every time you see it, at least a few times a month. After about 3-4 months it will be ready use. You can also let it sit for up to 6 months for even more flavor.
Step 4: Pour your vanilla into smaller containers to give as gifts and remove the beans from the extract that has formed. You’ll be amazed at home much better the homemade kind tastes than store bought.
Have you ever made your own homemade vanilla extract before? I’d love to hear what you thought! My friend Hollie from rubigirl photography made some over the weekend and look how GORGEOUS her’s turned out. What a beautiful gift for someone.
Photo Credit: rubigirl photography
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I would love to try this but vodka?!? Really?!? This may sound ignorant but is it safe for kids?
All vanilla is made with alcohol. Check the labels next time you are in the store. Most of the time you are cooking your items in which case the alcohol bakes out. In the rare case you are flavoring something that goes uncooked, you are typically using such a small amount there shouldn’t be a problem for kids.
Also, considering your homemade vanilla only has two ingredients, you could argue that it’s healthier for kids since you know exactly what’s in it. No toxins. No High Fructose Corn Syrup. No other additives, colors or chemicals.
If I understand right the alcohol evaporates when it’s cooked so no problem for kids.
Yes, that’s true Janet! Thanks for pointing that out! But I do use it to flavor milk for my kids as a special treat on occasion. But I hardly think a splash of it is an issue.
I’ve made vanilla using Madagascar vanilla beans, and I let it sit for a year. It came out wonderful! And yes, it is safe to use for kids. All extracts have alcohol. They are meant for baking, which cooks the alcohol out. If your child is into drinking it straight from the bottle, then I’d be concerned. But chances are, they don’t do that, so it’s fine. Happy baking!
Have you ever tasted vanilla. Most kids would say YUCK and would stop at one taste.
I have made it and it comes out lovely. You can also use lemon or orange zest in your vodka to add flavor for orange or lemon flavored desserts. Just make sure that your oranges and lemons are washed well and that you don’t use the white part as it will turn out bitter. Here are some more recipes.
Chocolate Extract
1 cups vodka
3/4 cup cocoa powder (use high quality dark chocolate for the best flavor)
Place cocoa powder and vodka in a clean glass jar or bottle. Mix well.
Leave them in a cool dark cabinet for 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Strain mixture to remove any cocoa powder.
2. Coconut Extract
1-1/2 cups freshly grated coconut
2 cup vodka
Drain coconut water and grate fresh coconut shavings and add them to a clean glass jar or bottle.
Leave them in a cool dark cabinet for 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Strain mixture to remove any coconut shavings after extraction process.
3. Berry Extract
3/4 cup berries (i.e., blueberry, raspberry, strawberry)
1 cup vodka
Add berries and vodka to a clean glass jar.
Leave them in a cool dark cabinet for 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Strain mixture to remove any coconut shavings after extraction process.
4. Orange Extract
1 cup vodka
peel of 5 oranges, pith removed
Place fruit peels and vodka in a clean glass jar or bottle.
Leave them in a cool dark cabinet for 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Remove peels from extract when process is complete.
5. Lemon Extract
1 cup vodka
peel of 5 lemons, pith removed
Place fruit peels and vodka in a clean glass jar or bottle.
Leave them in a cool dark cabinet for 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Remove peels from extract when process is complete.
6. Almond Extract
3/4 almonds, toasted and skins removed
1 vanilla bean
1 cup vodka
Place fruit and vodka in a clean glass jar or bottle.
Leave them in a cool dark cabinet for 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Strain and remove almonds from extract.
7. Peppermint Extract
1/2 cup fresh peppermint leaves
1 cup vodka
Coarsely chop mint leaves and add to a clean glass jar. Fill jar with vodka.
Leave jar in a cool dark cabinet for 6-8 weeks.
These are really cool ideas, I have done mixed citrus and lemon, and for vanilla, I use whiskey as the base, the flavor is warm and caramel-ly but I never use twenty beans, use four and let it sit for months.
You also need to leave the jar with either cheesecloth or a papertowel and just the ring to allow the alcohol to evaporate off when making extracts. It makes a huge difference on the flavor, you dont get that alcohol aftertaste. Same thing when making essential oils by steeping.
I love the gifting idea. How long is the shelf life? My brother in law made some for us because they are allergic to corn. I have no clue how old it is. Maybe a year or two? I assume it just stays good, haha.
I’ve done this but we use Bourbon. We found that bourbon gives it a really rich flavor that you don’t get with vodka. It makes it especially good for use in ice creams and cookies and really enhances the vanilla flavor. I have my all purpose vanilla that I use in every day items and then my special vanilla – the home made bourbon vanilla that I use in any item that needs a little special vanilla flavor.
Kimberly, never in my wildest dreams would I thought of using bourbon instead of vodka, WOW, what a grand idea. I’m am right now making berry infused vodkas for my XMAS baskets. I will also be trying your idea for the vanilla. Which reminds me of my homemade Irish Cream. I’ll be using ‘your’ vanilla for it. Here is my recipe for homemade Irish Cream. I put it into cute bottles every year and put it into my XMAS baskets, always get rave reviews over it.
3eggs, beaten
1 1/2 tbsp. chocolate syrup
1 tbsp vanilla (yours of course)
2 cups whiskey
1/2 cup rum
1 14 oz can condensed milk
1 pint cream
Mix first 5 ingredients well. Slowly whip in cream. Pour into container and place in refrigerator. My hubby has never been able to let it sit over an hour….LOL
CHEERS, CC
Your homemade Irish Cream, what about the raw eggs in this receipe???
Hey Marlene, yes my recipe for homemade Irish Cream calls for raw eggs. There is so much alcohol in it (it tempers it) there isn’t a problem. Not to mention it needs to be kept in the fridge. I’ve been making this for over 25 years and have never had a problem.
CHEERS, CC
What kind of bourbon do you use? How many vanilla beans?
What a fab idea for Christmas gifts!!! Thanks!!!
I use spiced rum in mine rather than vodka. Smells wonderful & the flavor is a nice change.
I hope that this isn’t a stupid question, but, how would you keep bacteria from getting inside?
Well you should be sure your bottle is very clean. Plus the alcohol should kill any remaining bacteria.
Have done this for years. Everyone loves to getting this gift.
Also have used the bourbon it is great as well.
I order my beans by the pound it’s so much cheaper.
http://www.saffron.com you’ll be amazed.
I received a “vanilla extract kit” for Christmas back in 2006. I LOVED IT. It was basically an empty bottle with rubber stopper (about the size of a salad dressing bottle, maybe a little bigger), several vanilla beans (maybe 4) and a bottle of vodka. The instructions for making the extract were included. I just finally finished using the finished product, 8 years later! It was fabulous, and I’ve just put a fresh batch in the closet to “percolate” for the next 5 months. Fantastic gift for anyone who bakes!
If you just keep adding your liquid, I use Southern Comfort to mine, when it gets about a quarter down, you will never run out of vanilla.
I love your bottles & labels! Can I get them somewhere?
Could you just put enough beans in the bottle of vodka and seal it back up or do you need a separate container? Then you’d pour out of that for your gift bottles. Also, the gift bottle in the picture has a bean in it. Can you do that with your gift bottle or do you just need to take all beans out?
You’d need to pour out a little of the vodka so it doesn’t overflow, but yes you can. It’s best to take all the beans out unless you are gifting it before it’s completely done. I just used one of the pictures with the bean in the bottle because it’s prettier.
I don’t drink. Is there anything non-alcoholic I can use?
Unless you buy imitation vanilla, it’s made with alcohol. All Vanilla Extract is made with alcohol. Check the label next time you are at the store.
I have just made a batch of non-alcoholic vanilla extract using food-grade glycerine. It worked very well.
I love making homemade vanilla, I do it every year 🙂 I wanted to ask where you got your bottles though. They’re GORGEOUS!!!!
Is there one for caramel extract?
I love these! Where can I find the bottles and labels?
The bottle is an old one from Hobby Lobby. The label is just letter stamps that spell out vanilla. Similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008I6SK3M?tag=saviwithshel-20
This is great! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I can’t wait to try this. I’ve looked around for vanilla bean (for an unrelated recipe) and it is difficult to find in the summer, but I will definitely be making it this fall.
I bought my vanilla beans from Beanilla.com. The beans are much cheaper online, as well as having many different varieties available. When I bough mine, the arrived in about a week with standard shipping. They have lots of different varieties, very high quality, good prices, and you can buy as few or as many as you wish. I bought several varieties, they each have slightly different flavor profiles.
I also do vanilla extract with different types of liqueur. I use rum with the Tahitian vanilla beans(had bought a bottle of this years ago when visiting Tahiti) It has a wonderful full flavor! But for every day baking I use vodka, and Madagascar vanilla beans. I’m also trying out Ugandan vanilla beans for the first time. It will be ready in a few more weeks, just in time for Christmas baking, and giving!
I use brandy instead of vodka. You can also make vanilla sugar if you have any extra vanilla beans. Just chop them up and put into a closed container of sugar. Shake or stir once a week. The longer you leave it, the stronger the flavor. I just keep adding more sugar when I take some out.
Oh wow! I stumbled across this on Pinterest. I’m thilled to rush to the store and begin this!!
I can’t wait to give my father it for Christmas. Too neat.
Silly question, could I use flavored vodka for a little extra daz?
So excited,
Kristin
I guess you could but it might completely change the flavor of the dish you are cooking.
My Grandma used to decorate cakes from scratch for a little extra income on the side–wedding cakes, birthdays, baptism, confirmation etc… And she would make her own vanilla flavoring for the frosting & it was the only thing she used unless the client wanted something different. She used rum instead of vodka and it was the best smelling thing in her spice cupboard!
My Mom always used Mexican vanilla. And so do I. It lasts for ever. Since it is alcohol based it won’t go bad if kept in a dark place. I intend to try this, it sounds fabulous.
Diana – You can buy Mexican Vanilla beans instead of Madagascar ones. That might make it taste like the stuff you love!
Just found this on pinterest! LOVE it!!! What a fun gift idea!
Quick Question: Can you mix and match bean “types” when making the extract or is it better to stick to one type. Thanks for the great idea!
You mean like one madagascar and one mexican bean? I would assume you could do that. I never have because I usually buy them in bulk so it’s easier to just use all of the same kind. But if you have different ones, I’m sure it would still work.
this is how i make mine. i find the longer it sits, the less i have to use. i have to use. My daughter makes cupcakes to sell and she swears by this vanilla. i love the fact that i make it and i know what i’m getting
This might sound silly, but could this be used as flavored vodka for mixed drinks also?
As in “vanilla vodka and coke”?
Yes, but don’t let it sit nearly as long. You want a much lighter flavor with flavored vodka.
Hi, I have a few questions, why can’t you just put the vanilla beans in the vodka bottle it comes in, while it it sitting for 4 to 6 weeks? Also if you make the orange extract, do you dry the orange peel first? Thanks 🙂
How many vanilla beans and how much voda to make this recipe.?
What kind of vanilla beans are good? What classifies them as good? And where is a good place to purchase for a reasonable price?
Lindsey – I just go to our local liquor store. I don’t buy the Vodka that is like $10 or less a bottle. I go more for the mid-range stuff. Usually around $15ish. No need to spend a fortune on it. You can use the super cheap stuff, I just prefer not to.
You’re right Shellie, I pay the same amount for the vodka. I have used the cheaper brands but since I make my flavored liquors (and now vanilla) for XMAS gifts I’d prefer to pay a bit more for the vodka/rum/whiskey and get a bit of a richer flavor. CHEERS, CC
Where do you buy the vanilla beans?
I love the idea of giving homemade vanilla as a gift, especially for someone who loves to bake, and it sounds so easy! Stopping by from the Wonderful Wednesday Blog hop.
Thanks for linking up at Rhinestone Beagle! Come by and check out our “wanted” post, from sept 10th, for crafters like you to participate in out annual Howl-oween Craftathon. We’d love to have you join in.
Fresh is always best! Thank you for sharing and for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo
Vodka, I would have never guessed! Sounds easy and your bottle is beautiful!
If someone you know is allergic to grains, you can also use Potato Vodka. That is what we do. and it makes great vanilla!
Wow Teresa. That is really interesting! I have no idea that vodka had grain in it. Where do you find Potato Vodka? Can you get it at a regular liquor store or do you need to shop at a specialty store?
I have a friend that is grain free. I just asked at the local liquor store for a grain free vodka. He recommended a potato vodka. It was a bit pricey, but I read up on it after the fact, and it is highly rated/reviewed.
Never ever thought of making my own vanilla. This would be a fabulous gift! Thanks for sharing it with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
I have never thought of making my own vanilla but this sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
This is something I really want to try. Vanilla is our favourite here 🙂 Thank you for linking up!
Thanks for sharing your post at the Say G’Day Saturday Linky Party. I’ve just pinned this and tweeted about it and will be featuring you at my Friday Favorites post!
Best wishes and hope to see you again this weekend.
Natasha in Oz
I love making vanilla! Thanks for sharing at the party. Theresa @DearCreatives
Wow I had no clue. I might have to try it, I’m tired of spending money left and right buying more when I can have a large bottle.
Hi, I am in the process of making my own vanilla with vodka and vanilla beans. The vanilla beans are making the vodka murky and the vodka has small black stuff (I’m assuming it’s the vanilla beans) floating in it. When you pour the vodka up into individual bottles, do you strain it through a cheese cloth? Thanks.
You can do that if you’d like. That would make it look more pure. I also find that if you let it sit for a long time, the little bits eventually dissovle.
Love the idea of being able to make your own vanilla. Plus if you purchase the right type of vodka, then it can also be gluten free. The comment section is full of helpful ideas too – you have great readers! Pinned to my ‘Frugal Fun” board.
Wow, Shellie…
I came from Pinterest about making homemade vanilla and I found this treasure trove of great ideas, all because of your homemade vanilla! Lucky me! If I got my supplies now and put it away until next year it would be good wouldn’t it? Pure yumminess ahead!
You can! The longer it sits the more flavorful it is. I think it takes about 6 months to cure for best flavor. Then pull out the vanilla beans and use it. I think you can still gift it next Christmas. The alcohol keeps it from going bad.
I have been doing this for a couple of years. I always have a batch “brewing” and another one that I use for baking. I use the bottle that the vodka came in, just have to pour a little out so it doesn’t overflow. The cheapest place to buy vanilla beans is Ebay. I’ve searched and looked at all of the sites mentioned, but for bulk, Ebay beats them all.
I did the same years ago, but used brandy. It was fantastic! Really makes the whipped cream or pies or whatever rich.
You forgot the best part…as you use the vanilla, top off the bottle with more vodka…you will have this eternal bottle of the best vanilla!
I made 4 oz bottles of vanilla (12 bottles) and handed them out to all how participated in my Christmas cookie exchange.
That’s a great tip. Thanks Jeanene!
When it’s finally time to remove the vanilla bean do you strain to remove all the vanilla seeds?
You can strain it. It’s just a matter of choice.
once made and separated into bottles how long will it last? does it go bad at all?
It doesn’t go bad. The alcohol in it preserves it. You can even top off the bottle periodically and keep using it!
Is there anyway to create the vanilla syrup for coffee?
Do you have any sources for affordable pretty glass bottles to store the vanilla in?
Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and World Market all have inexpensive options. Plus, all three stores always have coupons to help you save more!
Wow, what a fantastic idea! I will definitely give it a try.
Merci pour ce partage… Il ne me reste plus qu’à… Ne maîtrisant pas très bien votre langue, j’espère avoir tout compris !!! Bonne continuation
I will be making my vanilla. ..Thanks
I have made my first batch this year using rum and plan on giving it for gifts.. Unfortunately, I didn’t know about this awesome gift idea until about 6 weeks ago, so they haven’t had that much time to sit.. The result is that the colour is not that dark and it smells strongly like rum.. my plan was to leave the bean in the jar when giving b/c it looks prettier like that but over the time that it had been sitting, some little floaties have developed in the jar (the jars have been sealed since day 1).. Probably just flaking off from the beans but it doesn’t look that appetizing to give as a gift.. Do you have any suggestions for the issues that I’m experiencing?. Your help would be greatly appreciated! ☺ Thank you!
Mine always have little floaties in them too. 🙂 It’s just pieces of the bean coming off. I just use it as is most of the time instead of bothering to strain it. I think you could just explain when you gift it that this is how the homemade kind works. That it’s best about several months and they can remove the bean and strain it if they’d like. Or tell them they can keep the bean in and keep topping it off with rum and continue to enjoy it.
I have been making it for years. I have a half pint to use and a bigger bottle to be making it too. I just leave the beans in and just add a couple each time I make a new batch. I put in jams that I make and all my baking.
I love this idea. I will be making my extract’s from now own and I know my girls will love these as Christmas gift’s. Thank’s so much.
Hi Shellie!!! I’m Rosemary, just wanted to say a heartfelt THANK YOU for this! I live in europe ( Germany ) and do a whole lot of baking. My problem is that I don’t get the vanilla I’m use to here. What I get is somewhat of an oily substance known as ( vanille aroma ) I’m originally from the caribbean, and is like ALWAYS bothering my brother to send me a bottle. Now that I’ve found this, the need is NO LONGER going to arise.
Greetings from europe
THANKS!
Yay! I’m so glad this works for you!
To be honest, I didn’t get through reading all the comments so I’m not sure if this has been mentioned or not, LOL! Once you take your vanilla beans out of the vodka, they can still be used to make vanilla sugar! Since I love french vanilla creamer in my coffee, well, it’s just ten times better if my teaspoon of sugar is vanilla sugar. Yum!!! Just let them dry back out and pop them in a container and cover them with sugar. Stir around every so often and in 3-4 weeks you will have wonderfully fragrant and vanilla flavored sugar also!
Vanilla sugar is a great idea! And I can’t remember if anyone has mentioned it either. I know several people have mentioned that you can leave them in and keep adding vodka (true!) but this is another great alternative. Thanks for sharing!
Can vodka be replaced with anything else?
I’m going to try this! Thanks for sharing, nothing is better than the real flavor, I have used the beans for arroz con leche and it enhance the flavor.
Wild vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) comes from Mexico, from a small town called Papantla in Veracruz State. They store the vanilla beans using rum, same method here but different alcohol.
I just wanted to point that because most people think that vanilla comes from Madagascar or Indonesia, but that’s because France took the plant (an orchid) to their colonies, and they were great cultivating it.