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Learning how to make vanilla extract is the easiest thing ever. It requires only 2 ingredients and makes all of your baked goods taste and smell incredible. Homemade vanilla extract will be your secret ingredient for baking! Once you make your own homemade vanilla extract, there’s just no going back to the store-bought version. As a bonus, you can refill real vanilla extract with more vodka as it runs out so it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
These make for darling and thoughtful DIY Christmas gifts (see tutorial below). My cousin’s wife, Alla, shared this awesome idea with me for gifting homemade vanilla extract and now all my sisters and friends know exactly what they’re getting for Christmas! lol.
I included links to all of the tools and resources that I used to make these from the sweet little glass bottles on Amazon to the free labels I designed which you can print at home. There’s also a full visual tutorial on wrapping these in kitchen towels. I really enjoyed making these and I will enjoy giving them away even more!
Vanilla Extract Ingredients (makes 10 (4oz) jars):
20 vanilla beans
40 oz plain vodka* (80 proof works great)
It’s easy to scale this recipe up or down, the proportions are 4 whole vanilla beans per 1 cup (8 oz) vodka, or 2 vanilla beans per 1/2 cup (4 oz) vodka.
*It’s not necessary to get the most expensive brand of vodka; something middle of the road like Smirnoff triple distilled 80 proof will work just fine. I found this at the liquor store and paid $25 for a giant jug. I’ll be refilling my vanilla a long time :). My cousin used the Vodka sold at Costco (Washington Costco’s carry liquor, but Idaho’s don’t).
Tools you’ll need for Homemade Vanilla Extract:
Small funnel or measuring cup with pouring lip
10 (4oz) clear bottles with lids (avoid cork lids – alcohol evaporates through the cork)
Labels – you can save and print the labels I designed for FREE!
Kitchen scissors or sharp knife
How to Make Vanilla Extract:
1. Wash and sanitize bottles and lids. I washed with mild soapy water, rinsed then swirled with boiling hot water to sanitize them.
2. Cut beans in half then Split beans. I found this is easiest with kitchen scissors. Cutting them about halfway down the stem. If the beans are too dry to split, cut them into 1″ pieces. Place a total of 2 whole beans in each jar (or 4 split halves).
3. Use a funnel or measuring cup to pour vodka to the top of the jar. Cover tightly with lid and let them brew for 2 months, shaking occasionally.
Apply the FREE vanilla extract labels by printing them on label paper or by gluing them onto the bottles. If printing on the labels, make sure your printer is set to 100% and not “fit to page” which make shrink or stretch labels.
You should give the vanilla a little shake every now and then for the next couple of months as it sits. It will turn a beautiful amber color when it’s ready to use. The instructions are right on the label so you don’t have to wait that long to gift them ;).
For Creative Gifting:
12 yards of yarn or kitchen string
12 kitchen towels for gifting, preferably tea towel style
12 small/medium cookie cutters
How to Wrap a Gift With a Kitchen Towel:
Fold a kitchen towel in half lengthwise and then in half again lengthwise. Place vanilla in the upper left corner, fold over the bottom flap, roll into a log and tie the top with a string or ribbon directly over the next of where the bottle is sitting inside the towel.
How to Store Vanilla Extract
Keep your homemade vanilla extract in a cool dry place. Heat and light can cause it to turn cloudy.
If it does turn cloudy, murky, or muddy-looking, do the smell test and if it still smells good, it should be fine to use. Using 80 proof vodka, it is highly unlikely there is bacterial growth.
Sometimes the type of beans you get can leach pulp into the alcohol and you can strain out sediment if desired.
Vanilla Extract Recipe
Ingredients
Vanilla Extract Ingredients (makes 12 (4oz) jars):
- 20 vanilla beans, I used Grade B Bourbon
- 40 oz plain vodka*, 80 proof works great
Tools you'll need for Homemade Vanilla Extract:
- Small funnel or measuring cup with pouring lip
- 10 4oz clear bottles with lids (avoid cork lids)
- Labels
- Kitchen scissors or sharp knife
Instructions
- Wash and sanitize bottles and lids: Wash with mild soapy water, rinse, then carefully swirl with boiling hot water to sanitize them.
- Cut beans in half then Split beans (it's easiest with kitchen scissors), cutting them about halfway down the stem. If the beans are too dry to split, cut them into small 1" pieces so they don't stick up above the surface of the extract as you use it. Place a total of 2 whole beans in each jar (or 4 split halves).
- Use a funnel to pour vodka to the top of jar. Cover tightly with lid and let them brew for 2 months, shaking occasionally.
Notes
Filed Under
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
I would like to skip the vodka, is there any thing non alcoholic which I can mix to make this incredible extract?
Hi Mohammed, I’ve heard people using glycerine to make it alcohol-free but don’t have any personal experience with that.
Hi Natasha,
Appreciate the tip and the recipes you share. Keep up the good work. Cheers
Hello Thanks so much for sharing! I made this in Sept of ’20, added an extra bean to each jar. It does not seem as strong or as flavorful as my Watkins … Do I just need to wait longer or am I expecting something that it will never be – example apples & oranges. Thanks for your help
Hi Eileene, it can take several months for the color and flavor to fully develop.
I started making my vanilla at Thanksgiving, per your recipe. I shake it every few days but it still looks like weak tea. Will it darken with time?
Thank you!!!
Hi Kay, it should be clear. Are you noticing it turn murky? I recommend reading through the comments for suggestions but it should stay dark and clear. Typically you might see a few seeds settle at the bottom if you split the beans but it shouldn’t fill the bottle. Vanilla extract is normally deep amber color and clear of particles.
Hi Natasha, I started making my own vanilla extract in September. I purchased 25vailla beans on Amazon and opened the package on December 22-2020, at the time I put some in vodka and some in spiced rum, both smell delicious. Today I wanted to make some more and when I opened the package which was stored in a dark cool cupboard with the package in a ziploc bag with the air removed, some of my beans have a yellowish dust on them and some have a black dust on them. Are any of them still useable? Can I cut off the yellow dust part and is the black dust normal, as they have only been open for approximately one month I really don’t want to waste them. They were a bit pricey. I truly value your opinion and appreciate your help. Thank you! Also they all smell good even the yellow parts. I’ve tried to add pictures but not sure how. Lol
Hi Wendy, I haven’t seen that so you might have to do a little more google research. I wish I could help with that.
I messaged the company which was the one you had linked to, I’m hoping to hear back from them. I’ll let you know.
Why do you recommend not using a cork lid?
Hi Kathy, a cork lid can allow the alcohol to evaporate. I had a bottle that had a cork and had to wrap plastic wrap around it so the alcohol wouldn’t evaporate.
I thought that might be the case so I did wrap the cork in plastic wrap. I ordered the cute little bottles you recommended but they won’t be here until April… I think you have created a demand! It’s a fun project to watch!
I was thinking of making this a craft fair item where they could pick their dishtowel, cookie cutter then wrap their vanilla extract in it and package. With the contents being alcohol, do you have to do anything special to sell the extract. I would put a disclaimer for baking use only and keep out of the reach of children.
Hello! I love this idea. I have wanted to make and give homemade vanilla for a few years now and keep forgetting to get it going in time for Christmas…with you labels that is not a big deal! I also love the dishtowel and cookie cutter packaging! I am wondering approximately how many times can you refill the bottle using the same vanilla beans? Do you refill it before it is completely empty? Thank you so much for the great idea!
Hi Stacey, you can keep refilling for as long as you like the color. I refill before it gets empty so it stays a deeper color and then you don’t have to wait to use it.
Hi omg im a fan
Hello, thank you for your support!
Hi Natasha. I made this recipe 2 months ago exact to the letter. I have a lot of clear clumps floating in there. Is that bad? Possible contamination?
Hi Elizabeth, that could be due to the type of beans. Also, make sure to use the right alcohol proof which helps combat any bacteria growth. Also, light and heat can cause extract to turn cloudy. Store it in a cool dark place. See the note that I added in the post about how to store vanilla extract which should answer your questions.
I have the beans and vodka but I cannot locate a 10 oz bottle with lid. Can I use a larger glass container as long as I cover the beans? Thanks
Hi June, I got the bottles from Amazon. Here’s our Amazon affiliate link for the bottles here.
Hi Natasha! I love your food blog, videos and your website. Your family is precious. I thought I’d add a comment just for perspective on those who are asking how long this vanilla extract will last. I saw Ina Garten do a demonstration with exactly the same recipe. She uses a french close jar for her concoction and she said her’s is 35 years old! So I’m thinking you just keep adding vodka and vanilla beans as you use them up.
Thank you, Laurie! You’re exactly right! Stored properly, this really doesn’t expire. Keep adding the ingredients to keep it going.
oh! im so happy i found you natasha i just love your bakings i love baking , im 66yrs old and no matter how old you are each day i learn something new and seeing your wonderful dishes and bake goods mmmmyummmy..thank you for the recipie of vanilla so expensive im gonna try this weekend to make it and give out for gifts my sisters,,since this stay home thing i love learning from you in everything thank you ,,,ah and also you make videos so funny your humor is great and love your fam i see ur lil girl very cute,,natasha and family have a bless day,,
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles
Hi, I just need to ask if there is a substitute for the vodka for people who can not use alcohol?
Hi Gieysy, I’ve heard people using glycerine to make it alcohol-free but don’t have any personal experience with that.
Thank you, I will try that
You’re welcome!
Hi Natasha I don’t have amber jars.
Do I need an amber jar to make vanilla?
Hi Leah, we use clear jars and amber is not necessary if you are storing them in a dark place like a cupboard.
Hi Natasha!
My family & I love all your recipes! So, thank you for making me look like I know what I’m doing in the Kitchen! lol
Question about the Vodka.. Will 100 proof work?!
Hi Christine, I think so but you might do a google search to double check.
A question about the vanilla extract.
I am going to be doing this for the first time. So at what point to you add more vodka to keep it going? And when do you start all over again with new vanilla beans and vodka?
Hi Yvonne, you can refill it as you use it so it will last and last.
Just wondering where you found your tea towels that you used to gift wrap the bottles? I love the design and colors.
Hi Kathy, those towels are from Cost Plus World Market.
When you add more vodka to continue having a full bottle must you wait another 2 months?
Hi Alissa, waiting 2 months is not necessary if you continue to fill it as you go.
Thank you so much!!
Do i need to leave the seeds in the vanilla bean?
Hi Tess, seeing some vanilla bean seeds is pretty normal and not anything to be concerned about. That can happen if you have softer or higher grade vanilla beans. You can scrape out the seeds and use them for baking or you can keep them in the extract.
Have to ask, will one bean per 4oz bottle work? I found beans at the store but was shocked at the price. Two beans were around $20. Only bought one bottle of two beans. Hoping to get a couple bottles going as I use a lot of vanilla extract.
Hi Robert, if they are higher grade and extra-large that may work, otherwise your extract will be pretty light in color.
I had 12 bottles going since December. Are used the same Amazon beans. It’s still very light. Wondering if I should add more beans?
Hi Donna, it could depend on the types or size of beans used. If it is still too light for your liking, you can definitely add more beans to darken the color.
Robert, they have vanilla beans on Amazon pretty reasonable.
You may want to try these sometime…Grade B
I heard that true vanilla extract needs 1oz. Beans for 1 cup alcohol.
Hi Natasha, I didn’t have much luck with my bottles. Seven out if 12 have mold on the beans. I’m not sure I even want to gift the rest that look ok. The beans must have been bad. They were a submerged in the vodka. Expensive experiment. ☹
Oh bummer that’s no good. My guess is bad beans or not properly cleaned bottles.