Years ago, my father-in-law casually offered to make me homemade vanilla extract … with vodka.
Um… YES INDEEDY.
I mean, who says no to that kind of glorious DIY magic? The man was ahead of his time. And thank goodness, because he also gifted me a sourdough starter that’s now old enough to vote and rent a car. Yep … 20 years strong. She’s my other child.
There’s just something downright satisfying about making things from scratch. Whether it’s dinner, bread, or vanilla extract … it feels like winning at life and avoiding mystery ingredients at the same time. High five, you wholesome overachievers.
Today, I’m answering the most commonly asked questions about making homemade vanilla extract. Spoiler: It’s ridiculously easy, requires only two ingredients, and makes you feel like a kitchen wizard.
I’m also giving away FREE, beautiful labels to dress up your homemade vanilla extract with vodka … because your DIY deserves to look as good as it tastes. Just click here to download it!
Is It Cheaper to Make Vanilla at Home?
Let’s do some math (don’t worry, I already did it for you):
- McCormick Vanilla Extract: $6.64 for 2 oz … $3.32 per ounce
- Homemade Vanilla Extract:
- Vanilla beans: $18
- Vodka (two 750ml bottles): $30
- Total yield: roughly 50 oz … $0.96 per ounce
That means the store-bought stuff is 245% more expensive. Which, frankly, is rude.
Quick shoutout to my local vodka heroes – McLaughlin Distillery in the Pittsburgh area. If you’re local (or just passing through with good taste), you have to check them out. Their vodka is so smooth, it already tastes like it’s halfway to vanilla extract. Seriously, it’s like the beans barely have to try. And while you’re there, do yourself a favor: take the tour, do the tasting, and prepare to fall in love. Their bourbon? Might even make Kentucky jealous.
Which Beans Should I Use for my Vanilla Extract with Vodka?
There are 3 big players in the vanilla bean game:
- Madagascar: Gives you the classic vanilla flavor (sometimes you will find “Madagascar Bourbon” … this is not talking about alcohol … rather it is a species/variety of vanilla bean)
- Tahitian: Slightly floral
- Mexican: Rich and spicy-sweet (a nod to clove or nutmeg)
Can I tell them apart in a cookie? Honestly, no. Use what you like or what’s affordable.
Look for Grade B beans for extracts … they’re a little drier, less pretty, and perfect for steeping. Grade A works too, but save those beauties for recipes where you show them off … they aren’t necessary for making vanilla extract with vodka.
Skip the overpriced grocery store beans. Why? They are generally more expensive and can be less fresh.
These are the organic Madagascar vanilla beans that I used. Want to save a few bucks? Here’s another great vanilla bean option that still gets the job done deliciously.
What Alcohol Can You Use?
- Vodka (80 proof) is the MVP … neutral and clean.
- Bourbon, brandy, or rum? Yep, but they’ll leave flavor traces.
- Do NOT use flavored alcohol. We want the beans to shine, not your coconut-pineapple-s’mores vodka from college.
Pro tip: Splurge on the vanilla beans, not fancy booze.
What Proof of Alcohol Should I Use?
80 proof is the standard and works like a charm for most folks. You can go higher if you’re chasing even more flavor, but honestly … 80 proof gets the job of making vanilla extract with vodka done beautifully.
Ratio of Vanilla Beans to Vodka?
- 4–8 beans per cup of vodka. The more beans, the stronger the flavor.
- One bottle of vodka (750ml) … about 3 cups = needs 12–24 vanilla beans
I use 13 vanilla beans in one bottle of vodka … not going full bean crazy, since I knew it’d be sitting for a while and had plenty of time to steep and get delicious (about a year). Bonus: one pack of vanilla beans was enough for two bottles of vodka, which felt like a budget-friendly win!
How Long Do You Let the Vanilla Extract with Vodka Steep?
Ah, patience, young vanilla Jedi. You’ll hear people say it’s ready in 4 weeks.
Nope. Lies.
Real vanilla magic starts happening between 6 and 12 months. The longer it sits, the richer the flavor. Treat it like a fine wine… or your favorite drama series: worth the wait.
Want to keep tabs on your vanilla like a true kitchen scientist? I’ve got you covered! Here’s a link to FREE homemade vanilla extract labels …just slap on the date and boom, you’re officially organized and adorable.
What Kind of Bottle for my Vanilla Extract with Vodka?
My preferred method is to make the vanilla extract in the vodka bottle. I just plop 12-24 vanilla beans directly into the vodka bottle. It’s that easy! And just for the record … yes, my vodka comes in a glass bottle. We’re making fancy vanilla here, not cutting corners with plastic.
If you want a cute bottle for your vanilla extract with vodka … I like these swing-top bottles that come with a funnel. If you happen to have extra bottles, they are also great for kombucha, vinegar, oil, or re-gifting your DIY vibes.
Want to protect your potion from the sun? Go for these amber bottles.
Once my homemade vanilla extract hits that sweet vodka stage, I transfer it into a cute little bottle I scored at IKEA. It pours like a dream, no drips, no mess, and I feel just a little bit fancy every time I use it.
Pure vs. Imitation vs. Vanilla Flavor – What’s the Difference?
- Pure Vanilla Extract = vanilla beans + alcohol. That’s it. It’s got up to 400 flavor compounds doing a happy dance in your baked goods.
- Imitation Vanilla = Synthetic vanillin made in a lab. Smells like vanilla, but not the full orchestra—just a kazoo. Dyes and sugar are also added to make it act like vanilla.
- Vanilla Flavor = A mystery mix of sweeteners, dyes, tea extracts, caramel color, synthetic vanillin, and confusion. Hard pass.
How to Store Vanilla Extract with Vodka...
Keep it away from heat and light. Pantry = perfect. Car dashboard = absolutely not.
How Long Does Homemade Vanilla Extract with Vodka Last?
Indefinitely. Just keep topping off your bottle with more vodka as you use it. Eventually, when the flavor fades, it’s time for a fresh batch.
Another option? Don’t bother topping off the bottle. Keep things simple … have a second bottle of vanilla extract brewing in the background. Think of it as a low-maintenance vanilla rotation plan: use one, brew one, repeat. Tip: You can steal the beans out of your finished bottle to put in your current brew.
Can You Reuse the Beans?
Absolutely. Two ways you can reuse the beans:
- Keep topping off your vanilla extract with more vodka (see section above). Your bean babies will keep doing you the favor of flavoring more vodka.
- When your beans have done their time, scrape out that vanilla caviar and toss it into something extra special. Like cake. Or frosting. Or your coffee because you’re fancy now.
How do you tell if your Vanilla Extract with Vodka is Bad?
Is it cloudy? Don’t panic … cloudy doesn’t mean bad. It might just be the vanilla beans doing a little synchronized swim in there. The real test? Give it a sniff. If it smells amazing, it is amazing.
And remember, vodka is like the bouncer at the club … it keeps the bad stuff out. That 80 proof power makes it tough for any unwanted bacteria to crash the vanilla party.
Is Vanilla Extract with Vodka Giftable?
Oh yeah, it is! Grab these gift bottles + funnels + slap on a cute label (which is FREE) … add a tea towel, a spatula, and a cookie cutter. Boom: instant holiday joy.
Pro Tips for Vanilla Extract with Vodka
- Shake it every now and then (for the first month or so … I try to shake it every day). Let the flavors mingle.
- Cut beans to fit your jar (if necessary).
- Keep track of how much you use and always have a bottle brewing.
- Smell it often. Brag about it more.
Conclusion - Vanilla Extract with Vodka
Making your own vanilla extract isn’t just about saving money (though, hey … that’s a sweet bonus). It’s about slowing down, getting intentional, and adding a little homemade magic to your pantry. Whether you’re baking scones for the neighbors or whipping up your famous pumpkin bread, your homemade vanilla will be the secret ingredient that makes people say, “Ooooh, what is that flavor?” You’ll smile knowingly. Because you made it yourself … with beans, booze, and a whole lot of heart.
Now go forth and steep those beans! You’re about to join the ranks of DIY royalty. Vanilla-scented hugs all around.
Want a printable version of that cute little label? Click right here … I got you, friend!
Vanilla Extract with Vodka
Simple, deeply flavorful, and made with love (and vodka).
Just 2 ingredients and a little patience ... and you’ll have rich, pure vanilla. Great for baking ... or gifting to your favorite cookie lover!
Ingredients
- 750ml vodka (80 proof works great)
- 12-24 vanilla beans
Instructions
- Cut the vanilla beans in half, lengthwise ... scissors or a knife will do the trick.
- Pop the cut vanilla beans right into the vodka bottle.
- Seal it up tight, give it a good shake.
- Let the magic happen for 6 to 12 months.
- Give it a little shake every now and then ... help the flavors mingle.
Notes
- If your beans are on the dry side and don’t want to split ...no problem, just chop them into 1-inch pieces.
- Ratio: 4–8 beans per cup of vodka. The more beans = stronger the flavor.
- If you're using a cute container (because aesthetics matter), make sure it's been washed and sanitized—nobody wants funky vanilla. Then, grab a funnel and carefully pour in the vodka like the classy DIY’er you are.
- Keep it away from heat and light. Pantry = perfect. Car dashboard = absolutely not.
- Keep topping off your extract with more vodka. Your bean babies will keep doing you the favor of flavoring more vodka.
some sentences or ideas may be from chatgpt or other AI
2 responses to “Homemade Vanilla Extract with Vodka”
Why haven’t I been making my own vanilla for years. It is so easy. I had no idea.
Right?! It’s one of those “where has this been all my life” things. So glad you gave it a try!