Homemade Vanilla Extract

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Makes: 24 oz of vanilla extract

INGREDIENTS:

10 vanilla beans

24 oz vodka (I used 40% proof)

2 16oz mason jars

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash and sanitize bottles and lids. Wash with mild soap water, rinse, then carefully pour boiling water into the bottles and lids and let sit for 5 minutes. Carefully pour out the water and rinse with cold water until jar is cool.
2. Cut beans in half and then split them. Toss half in one jar, and the other half in the other jar. Pour vodka until it reaches the final line on the bottle which is 12 oz. Secure with lid and shake for at least 20 seconds. Store it in a cool place and shake it once a week.
3. Let the beans brew for 3 months or for 6-12 months to achieve the best flavor. You can keep refilling your vanilla extract as you go. Keep refilling it with vodka, just make sure the beans are always covered. Once the vanilla extract isn’t as strong as it used to be, it’s time to toss the beans and use up the last bit of that bottle without refilling.

*Steep beans for 3 months.

The vanilla extract is becoming a nice and dark brown. It still smells a lot like vodka but the vanilla is slowly starting to become more fragrant. 2 more months of brewing.

The beans are finally done brewing and ready to be used. The extract is a rich dark brown color and smells amazing and strong. The longer it brews, the stronger the extract will be.