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Home » Recipes

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract (a great gift!)

Vanilla Extract in bottles with chalkboard labels.

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Today I am dedicating an entire blog post to something I've talked about here and there (within a post, on Facebook, in my first cookbook, etc.) to make sure it does not get missed ... because it's an important one! If you'd like to gift adorable little Homemade Vanilla Extract bottles this holiday season, which is a lovely and unique gift if I do say so myself, now is the time to begin the super-easy infusion process so it will be ready by December.

Homemade Vanilla Extract can be used just like regular store-bought extract (which sadly often contains unnecessary additives). I give them out every year to friends, neighbors, party hostesses, and even the mail carrier. Because, how cute are these? And come Christmas time who needs another cookie!? Just sayin' :)

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

  1. So, this next pic may look like I'm about to have a raging party, but this is how homemade vanilla extract begins ... with lots of vodka! I usually buy a mid-grade brand like Smirnoff. Not too cheap and not too pricey.
Four bottles of Smirnoff vodka to make vanilla extract.
Buy some vodka
  • Next, you simply slit two fresh vanilla beans all the way down the center (longways) and drop them in a 375ml bottle. Either a sharp knife or culinary shears will do the trick. You can also put four beans in a 750ml bottle. To save money order the beans online instead of buying them from the supermarket. Amazon is cheaper for large quantities, but note quality can vary by source. We've had consistently good results from J. Crow’s Marketplace.
  • Slit vanilla beans for homemade vanilla extract
    You can slit just one side of the bean or cut all the way through
  • Let sit and after a week or two the liquid will start to "infuse" and turn a pretty golden brown color like this picture below. The longer you leave it in, the better (more flavorful) it will be.Homemade Vanilla Extract on 100 Days of Real Food -Infused vodka
  • You can then transfer the extract to decorative glass bottles (from the craft store or online), add a label, tie on a pretty bow, and voila ... you'll have yourself cute and useful gifts to hand out this year.
  • Homemade Vanilla Extract in bottles with gift tags.
    vanilla-extract on 100 Days of Real Food

    How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract (a great gift!)

    If you'd like to gift adorable little Homemade Vanilla Extract bottles this holiday season, now is the time to start so it will be ready by December. It only requires vanilla beans and vodka to make this thoughtful gift or everyday baking product for your kitchen.
    11 Reviews / 4.3 Average
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Total Time: 5 minutes mins
    Course: Holiday, Treats
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free, Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
    Servings: 12 ounces
    Save Recipe Saved!

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 vanilla beans (fresh)
    • 1 375-ml bottle vodka (I buy a mid-grade brand like Smirnoff)

    Instructions
     

    • Slit each vanilla bean down the center longways. Slide all four pieces into the vodka bottle.
    • Let sit for a minimum of a couple weeks so it can start to infuse (the longer, the better).
    • If desired, transfer to decorative glass food-safe bottles to give as gifts. I like to include a piece of vanilla bean in each bottle).

    Notes

    *Gluten-free if gluten-free vodka is used
    Nutrition Facts
    Nutrition Facts
    How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract (a great gift!)
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 74 Calories from Fat 9
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 1g2%
    Sodium 1mg0%
    Carbohydrates 1g0%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Want weekly REAL FOOD meal plans made for you?→ Check It Out
    Homemade Vanilla Extract in glass bottles with labels

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    About Lisa Leake

    Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.

    Comments

    1. Ann says

      November 19, 2021 at 12:46 pm

      5 stars
      HI! Do you have to replace the beans after some time or do you just keep adding more vodka to the one vodka bottle with the original beans in it as it starts to run low?

      Reply
      • 100 Days Admin says

        November 30, 2021 at 11:23 am

        Vanilla beans can be used multiple times as they have a great deal of flavor. - Nicole

        Reply
    2. Erin Fitch says

      June 22, 2018 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      I know that store bought Vanilla Extract is watered down. Should this vanilla be watered down? Otherwise it would be potent if used in a recipe that is not baked, right? I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about it so I made a cocktail instead. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        July 01, 2018 at 10:52 am

        No. I've never watered down this vanilla. :)

        Reply
    3. Jennifer Edwards says

      December 19, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      My vanilla beans are flaking. Is straining required?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        December 27, 2016 at 9:05 am

        Hi. You could strain but I do not find little bits of the bean off-putting. :)

        Reply
    4. Jennifer Malizia says

      December 13, 2016 at 3:04 pm

      Do you leave the vanilla beans in there when you give it out? Can they stay in there as long as they have the vanilla???

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        December 19, 2016 at 2:53 pm

        Hi there. Yes and yes. :)

        Reply
    5. Mary Eaton says

      December 10, 2016 at 9:55 pm

      I would like to know if these extracts can be mailed as gifts since they contain alcohol?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        December 19, 2016 at 3:02 pm

        Hi there. I think that requires a call to your local post office. :)

        Reply
    6. Bites for Foodies says

      December 02, 2016 at 10:39 am

      I had no idea that vanilla extract required vodka in it? Maybe, pure alcohol, but not vodka! I rarely use the liquid form, ever since I tried pure vanilla bean powder. Have you every tried it? It is to die for!! Having said that, I love giving homemade food gifts over the holidays and this is easy and foolproof. Thanks for the idea!

      Reply
    7. Lisa says

      November 28, 2016 at 12:55 pm

      Is there any point that the vanilla goes bad?
      And is it okay for the vanilla bean to start sticking out of the mixture? Does it get oxidized oranything like that?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        December 05, 2016 at 11:11 am

        Hi. This will help: http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18601. As, for the bean itself, you can always cut it in half or smaller if you wish to keep it submerged.

        Reply
    8. Asiya says

      November 27, 2016 at 2:47 am

      I have been through many vanilla extract recipes but this seems to be the best extract so far...

      Reply
    9. Nancy says

      November 27, 2016 at 1:15 am

      http://natashaskitchen.com/2016/11/26/vanilla-extract-recipe Your recipe :(

      Reply
    10. Alicia says

      November 18, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      I have made homemade vanilla a couple of times and I always use bourbon instead. I just love the flavor. No worries about the alcohol for those that asked since it cooks off. I do have to say that if you are wanting to give homemade vanilla extract as a Christmas gift, this really should have been started in like September. It needs to sit for at least 3 months in a dark place to allow the vanilla to flavor the alcohol before it's used. I also like to put at least 4 or 5 beans in each of my bottles when I make it. When I transfer to gift bottles, I also put part of a vanilla bean inside it since the vanilla just gets better and better over time.

      Reply
      • Heather says

        September 12, 2017 at 11:56 pm

        What kind of bourbon would be a good brand to use?

        Reply
        • Alicia says

          September 13, 2017 at 7:37 am

          I've always just went cheap and bought Wild Turkey.

    11. Kristy says

      November 16, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      Any options for non-alcoholic vanilla extract?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 21, 2016 at 10:42 am

        Hi. You can use food grade vegetable glycerin though it does not qualify under real food rules. :)

        Reply
    12. lisa says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:07 pm

      5 stars
      I have been doing this for over a year and once you make your own vanilla you will never buy store vanilla again!! I do let my cure for at least a couple months it tastes better the longer it sits!! I also get my vanilla beans on line through Penzey Spices -best quality I have found at a very resonable price! I also buy organic vodka at trader joes -which is also a decent price and organic :)

      Reply
    13. Sewzy says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      I make my vanilla with cheap brandy and 2 vanilla beans. I let it ferment for 6 weeks.

      Reply
    14. Martin says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:36 pm

      1 star
      You're not making vanilla extract, you're making, (slightly), infused vodka.

      Reply
      • Amanda R. says

        November 16, 2016 at 2:01 pm

        In the United States, in order for a vanilla extract to be called pure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the solution contains a minimum of 35% alcohol and 100g of vanilla beans per litre.

        Reply
    15. Lois says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      Order your beans from Beanilla. Great variety and prices. Buy bottles online cheap and you can use cheap vodka. The longer the beans sit in the vodka, the more flavor of your vanilla. EASY to do and much cheaper than buying vanilla in the supermarket. Yes, you can use rum for a slightly different flavor. Good luck!

      Reply
    16. rose steele says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      2 stars
      I've tried it a couple times and it never develops enough vanilla flavor.

      Reply
    17. pat Brown says

      November 11, 2016 at 11:20 am

      can you use rum instead of vodka?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 10:01 am

        Hi. You can. Vodka simply has the most neutral flavor.

        Reply
    18. Jen says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:45 am

      do you put an additional bean in the bottles that you transfer to?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 9:59 am

        You use the beans from the original batch but I do always make sure each bottle has a bean, especially if it has not steeped for several weeks.

        Reply
    19. Eaglestar says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:17 am

      4 stars
      This works but it took mine more like 3 months not 2 weeks

      Reply
    20. cindi says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:17 am

      Can you do shots of it? And do you label them the "proof" of what the vodka was?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 9:59 am

        We've not done either of those. :)

        Reply
    21. Amalee says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      I made these for several friends last year and they were a HUGE hit! I highly recommend them for a low maintanence homemade gift.

      Reply
    22. Kim says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      I have been making my own for years now. Its the only way to go! its pure, it smells out of this world! but it wont smell like store bought (just to warn you)
      I will never ever buy store bought again. there is always a bottle curing on top of the fridge

      Reply
    23. JoAnn says

      November 10, 2016 at 8:26 pm

      5 stars
      OMGOSH! This is brilliant!

      Reply
    24. Jen says

      November 10, 2016 at 4:17 pm

      I've been making homemade vanilla extract for years. Some of the comments are making it harder than it needs to be. The more beans you put in the bottle, the quicker it'll darken. I've got batches in a rotation. I leave the vodka and beans in a larger jar until my little jar runs out. I refill as necessary and just leave the big batch sitting there. Hope this helps!

      Reply
      • Kim says

        November 11, 2016 at 9:14 am

        5 stars
        spot on! I do the same thing. big bottle of vodka, tons of beans, cure if for at least 6 month, the darker the better. once you get on a cycle you never run out.

        Reply
    25. Dawn says

      November 10, 2016 at 4:09 pm

      Where do you get your bottles?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 10:11 am

        Hi. You can find them at various craft stores like Michaels or online.

        Reply
    26. Melissa says

      November 10, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      How many dried beans would I use?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 10:10 am

        We've not used dried beans.

        Reply
    27. Sheila says

      November 10, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      Is a 375 ml bottle a pint, fifth or gallon?

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 10:09 am

        Hi. 750ml is a fifth. 375ml is closer to a pint. :)

        Reply
    28. stacey says

      November 10, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      This looks like super weak vanilla. I have always done a lot more beans. I followed the instructions I got from vanilla products USA I believe. They say to Use 1/4 pound of beans for every quart of extract that you want to make.

      Reply
    29. Ashley says

      November 10, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      How many batches does this recipe make? What Ounces are the bottles? Thank you for posting this great idea!

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 10:06 am

        The 375ml of vodka is a little more than 12.5 ounces. You can buy whatever size bottles you like but I've done 3 and 4 oz

        Reply
    30. Colleen says

      November 10, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      Do you leave the vanilla bean in the glass once you give it to people? Or do you just infuse it in the vodka and then pour just the liquid into the other container?

      Reply
      • Amy says

        November 10, 2016 at 8:42 pm

        I've made this for teacher gifts in the past - I leave the beans in, but you could take them out after you've let them soak for 6-8 weeks. I think you can add more vodka to the beans after the extract is gone to make more but I haven't tried that.

        Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 9:51 am

        Hi. Lisa has made these for me and I always leave the bean in. It continues to steep and it looks pretty.

        Reply
    31. Kristin says

      November 10, 2016 at 11:48 am

      Have you done the math on how much it costs to make a batch? I've contemplated making my own vanilla as I go through it pretty quickly, but it is only worth it if there is a cost savings as compared to Trader Joe's. Also, what is the optimal time to sit for superior quality? The post says at least a couple of weeks but other websites reccomend months.

      Reply
      • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

        November 14, 2016 at 10:15 am

        Hi Kristin. Well, we are usually making these as holiday gifts and if you find your beans for a good price, they make a lot of sense. Plus, they are pretty and homemade. :) The longer you steep, the better. If you get off to a late start, you can always tell the recipients to allow it to steep for a few more weeks. I always leave the bean in for that reason.

        Reply

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    Meet Lisa! Lisa is a best-selling cookbook author, wife, mother, and passionate home cook. Lisa began blogging in 2010 and has created a community of millions of people who share her love of healthy living, real food ingredients, and family recipes.

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