In this tutorial I will show you how to make your own homemade vanilla extract, with two simple ingredients and some patience.
I’ve been in the infusing mood lately. Christmas is right around the corner, so I’ve been thinking of ways that I can contribute to the giving spirit that so many people enjoy this time of year. Simple infusions made with real ingredients are perfect little gifts that can be made last-minute and will surely be enjoyed by your friends and family. Vanilla extract is definitely the easiest and universally loved infusion you can make with only two ingredients – vodka (or bourbon or brandy or rum) and vanilla beans.
Another delicious and gift-able alcohol infusion is Homemade Spiced Rum. Click here for the recipe!
To make vanilla extract choose an alcohol to infuse the vanilla flavour into. You could experiment with other alcohols like brandy, bourbon or rum, but vodka is the most common choice. Try to choose a medium quality, middle shelf brand of vodka. A cheap vodka will give you cheap tasting vanilla extract. Expensive vodka is best enjoyed in a cocktail, not in your vanilla cupcake batter (but if your into that sort of thing then by all means…).
Fun fact: Vanilla beans are derived from the orchid plant! An orchid! Aren’t orchids like every persons favourite house plant? Now I need to know if I can grow my own vanilla beans at home. (Here’s an interesting article all about vanilla)
The vanilla bean variety that I am using is Madagascar, but feel free to experiment with other varieties available to you!
How to make Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
6 ounces of Vodka
2 Vanilla Beans, seeds scraped
Instructions
Fill a small mason jar, or glass bottle with 6 ounces of vodka.
Slice the vanilla beans lengthwise down the middle. Scrape the seeds if you don’t mind speckled vanilla extract (I don’t mind). The seeds will offer a stronger vanilla flavour. If you’d prefer a clear vanilla extract then just slice your beans and don’t scrape the seeds.
Add the vanilla beans to the jar/bottle of vodka.
Make sure your vanilla beans are fully submerged in the vodka. Cut them in half if you need to. Then cover the jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid and set it somewhere safe to infuse for…a painfully long time. Six months (at least). I know, I know. Good things come to those who wait.
Notes:
You can experiment with adding more vanilla beans and taste testing it after 2 months.
Add a label or tag to the bottle with the “Ready To Use” date on it (especially if you are gifting it to someone).
As you use your vanilla extract, top the bottle up with more vodka and continue to let it infuse. Those vanilla beans will have plenty more flavour to offer.
You will notice that your homemade vanilla extract will be much lighter in colour than the store-bought dark imitation vanilla that is commonly used. Even though the colour is lighter, the flavor will be superior.
If you enjoyed this article then might also like these:
How to make Homemade Spiced Rum