Go Back Email Link
Print Recipe

Stupid Easy: Vanilla Extract

Ingredients

  • Vodka no need to buy expensive vodka, I got mine from TJ's
  • Vanilla beans I used bourbon madagasgar beans
  • Bottles 4 to 8 oz size I put mine in the dishwasher, you can sterilize bottles in boiling water if you want
  • Tincture of time Allow min of 6-8 weeks, it will have a nice brown color and should smell like vanilla not alcohol
  • I ordered glass bottles from Amazon in 5 ounce size.

Instructions

  • THIS IS STUPID EASY.
  • Split vanilla beans lengthwise leaving the top inch unspilt (to keep the bean in one piece)
  • Scrape seeds from inside the bean and reserve for bottle. This is optional. If you do not plan to strain your extract the seeds will stay in clumps so not really pretty.
  • If necessary cut beans in half cross wise to fit in bottles
  • Place beans in bottle or jar. I used 2 whole beans for 4 ounces of vodka
  • Fill with vodka/alcohol so beans are fully submerged. Remember those cute little funnels you bought and never used? Break them out now.
  • Cap and store at room temp away from light. Shake occasionally.
  • It is up to you if you want to strain the extract or leave the beans in the bottle.
  • Depending on when you started you now have weeks, maybe even months to design cool labels for your vanilla.
  • How easy is that?