I love the scent of natural vanilla. It can be used in so many recipes and is perfect for my superfood coffee. I even use it in homemade skincare recipes, like this sugar cookie lip scrub.
Unfortunately, “real” vanilla extract you buy in stores often contains corn syrup or sugar. There’s also a big difference between pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla. You’ll find ingredients like caramel coloring, artificial flavors, corn syrup, and propylene glycol hiding in the artificial version.
I have been making my own vanilla extract for years. Not only is it cheaper than store-bought vanilla extract, but the flavor is unmatched. With only two ingredients, it is also one of the easiest recipes to make.
Vanilla extract can also be called vanilla tincture, as it is essentially a tincture of food-grade liquor and whole vanilla beans. With just a cup of vodka, some vanilla beans, and time, you can create your own vanilla extract.
Different types of vanilla pods
There are several types of vanilla pods. Any will do, but here’s the difference:
Grade A beans (the ones I use) have more moisture and extract faster. Grade B beans are a bit drier and work well for extraction, plus they can be a bit cheaper. I prefer Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, which have a rich, floral vanilla flavor and aroma.
They are quite expensive at local supermarkets, but you can find them online at places like Amazon for much less.
The best alcohol to use
You’ll also need a high-quality liquor that’s at least 35% alcohol. I prefer to use rum, after finding this spiced rum that’s non-GMO and has no corn syrup. Papagayo rum is another great option. From what I’ve read, Four Roses and Wild Turkey bourbons are also non-GMO, but those are the only two I’ve been able to verify. You can also look for an organic rum, vodka, or bourbon.
A regular bottle of vodka works too, but avoid flavored ones, as they often contain artificial and unhealthy ingredients. The exact number of ounces of alcohol you use depends on how much vanilla you want to make. If you’re making this for yourself, one bottle will do, but you can easily double or triple the recipe for gifts.
Tutorial to infuse vanilla
Now that you have the beans and the alcohol, what’s next? Single vanilla is what you’ll find in supermarkets and isn’t as strong. Double vanilla is much stronger, sweeter and more flavorful, but requires more beans.
To make a single vanilla, you’ll need 6-8 vanilla beans for every 8 ounces of alcohol. If you want to make a double vanilla, simply double the amount of beans. I use about 8 beans for every cup of alcohol in mine and it still tastes good.
Once the beans are in the liquid, they will need to sit at room temperature and away from direct sunlight for at least 3 months. For the best flavor, they should sit for 12 months. You can use 8-ounce bottles or larger, depending on how much vanilla you want.
Reusing vanilla pods
Every time you use some vanilla extract, you can simply top it up with a little more alcohol. Once the extract starts to lose its flavor, replace the used vanilla pods with new ones.
Here is the super easy recipe for how to make homemade vanilla extract.
Homemade vanilla extract recipe
Homemade natural vanilla extract with just two ingredients. It is delicious and aromatic for baking, cooking or coffee.
- 8 oz organic or non-GMO alcohol (Spiced rum, brandy, bourbon or 80 proof vodka)
- 7-8 vanilla pods
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Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise with a sharp knife to reveal the inside of the vanilla beans. If necessary, trim to fit the jar.
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Place the split beans in a tall glass jar. You can use a reused glass maple syrup bottle or a glass jar.
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Pour the alcohol of your choice over the beans.
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Cover tightly and shake gently.
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Store it in a cool, dark place for at least a month, shaking it occasionally. I prefer to let it sit for 2-3 months for best flavor. For an even stronger version, let it sit for 12 months.
Nutritional data
Homemade vanilla extract recipe
Amount per serving (0.5 teaspoons)
Calories 6
% Daily Value*
Carbohydrates 0.3 g0%
Sugar 0.3g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- I use the vanilla extract straight from the jar and add alcohol as I go. You can keep using the same vanilla beans until you notice the extract losing its flavor.
- If you need a sweeter vanilla extract for a recipe, simply add a little raw honey or maple syrup for a corn syrup- and refined sugar-free option.
Ways to use vanilla extract
It makes a great handmade Christmas gift. There’s something about handmade Christmas gifts that makes them extra special. You can even include a handmade tag and place it on a cute jar. Here are some recipes and DIY projects to use your homemade vanilla extract:
Have you ever made your own extracts? What did you do? Leave a comment and tell us about it!
