Making Vanilla Extract

How fun would it be to make vanilla extract and gift it to your friends and family?

It makes a great gift, especially for the baker in your life. Even a coffee lover who likes to add vanilla to their drinks!

The first step is to gather your ingredients:

Vanilla Beans (I used Grade A Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans)

Alcohol (Vodka and Bourbon are the most common)

Bottle (4 oz is a great size for gifts)

Measuring Cup

Mini Funnel

Knife and Cutting board

The bottles I used are 4 oz. To make a 4 oz bottle, you will need to cut two vanilla beans. Split them down the middle and then in half to fit inside of the bottle.

After you have cut the vanilla beans and added them to the jar, measure 1/2 cup of the alcohol of your choice.

It’s best not to pick the cheapest brand, but you definitely don’t need the most expensive. I picked Bulleit for Bourbon and Ketel One for Vodka.

Add the alcohol to the jar and seal.

Please the jar or jars in a cool, dry location. Let them sit for about a month. After that, shake them occasionally. It is recommended to wait 6 months to a year before use.

I made mine back in May and they aren’t ready as of January. I highly recommend making it a minimum of 9 months before use.

The longer they sit, the better they get! You can add more alcohol after you have finished your bottle and reuse the beans a few times.

Our Vanilla Extract is now available in our shop!