Consider this the ultimate guide to How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract! You only need two ingredients: vodka and vanilla beans. It’s a much more cost efficient solution to vanilla extract than the store-bought options that are out there. Though you should wait for up to 6 months to 1 year for optimal flavor, it’s well worth it to have a large supply of it on hand or to give as gifts to friends and family.
80 proof liquor vanilla beans
01
Use a sharp knife to split the bean in half lengthwise, making sure not to cut to the very end. Think of it as making a long slit in the middle.
02
Combine liquor and vanilla beans in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Make sure that the beans are fully submerged.
03
Let the liquor soak with the vanilla beans for 6 months to 1 year, until the flavor is how you like it.
04
Strain out the beans and seed, then bottle the extract in glass bottles.