How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade vanilla extract is so easy to make, and it tastes amazing! This simple DIY tutorial will show you how you can make your own with a few easy steps.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

I’ve been making homemade vanilla extract for over 10 years now.

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Homemade Vanilla Extract Supplies

In order to make vanilla extract, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and supplies.

• vanilla beans
• alcohol (vodka yields a more “traditional” vanilla flavor)
• kitchen shears or knife
• Mason jar or other glass container (I used jars similar to these)
• flip-top jar to store completed vanilla extract (this is optional, but it’s easier to pour)

In the past, I always used vodka to make my vanilla extract, but then a friend suggested that I try rum.

I decided to put the vanilla beans right in the bottle of rum.

This worked out well, and it was very easy, but we all decided we prefer vanilla made with vodka. The rum gives it a different flavor. Not bad, just not our favorite.

How to Make Vanilla Extract

The two halves of the bean will still be connected, like this:

You can also cut the beans smaller than this. Just make sure they stay covered in the alcohol the entire time, with none of the vanilla beans sticking out.

So, if you’re using a smaller/shorter container, I would recommend cutting the beans in 1″ pieces.

After slicing the beans down the center, put them in a glass jar.  I use approximately 1 ounce of beans for every cup (8 ounces) of alcohol.

Sometimes I’ve used fewer beans, but this is a general rule of thumb.

Add vodka to your jars, leaving enough head space for shaking.

Add the lid and shake the jar/bottle to mix everything up.

Store the jars tightly closed in a cool, dark place for 4 months or longer.  Occasionally give them a good shake.

On the left (below), you can see the vanilla I just started, and on the right is some completed vanilla that has been transferred to a flip-top bottle.

After a day or two, your vanilla extract should be looking darker, like this:

That’s all there is to it!

Homemade vanilla extract will last for a very long time in your pantry.

Homemade Vanilla for Gift-Giving

Supplies Used in This Post

In order to make vanilla extract, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and supplies.

• vanilla beans
• alcohol (vodka yields a more “traditional” vanilla flavor)
• kitchen shears or knife
• Mason jar or other glass container (I used jars similar to these)
• flip-top jar to store completed vanilla extract (this is optional, but it’s easier to pour)

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