Did you know that it's incredibly easy to make your own vanilla extract? It requires just two ingredients: vanilla beans and a clear flavorless spirit, like vodka. Add a little time (and patience), and you have a delicious extract to use in cooking, baking and cocktails.
Making great vanilla extract starts with high-quality ingredients. Using Madagascar vanilla beans and premium spirits will yield a much more pleasant flavor and aroma—which you will immediately notice if you have previously been using an inexpensive or artificial extract.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Makes 8 oz
- 3 Madagascar vanilla beans, split lengthwise, then crosswise (in half)
- 8 oz premium vodka
- Combine all ingredients in an 8 oz Mason jar.
- Seal and shake to combine.
- Allow to infuse at room temperature for 6 weeks, shaking the jar once a week. Once the infusing process is complete, you can continue to leave the beans in the jar, resulting in an even more flavorful extract as time passes. The extract will keep at room temperature in a dark place for up to six months.