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Homemade Vanilla Extract
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5 from 4 votes

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade vanilla extract is the perfect Christmas gift.
Prep Time15 minutes
Resting Time45 days
Total Time45 days 15 minutes
Course: Chrismas
Cuisine: Christmas
Servings: 48 teaspoons
Calories: 13kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (8-ounces) Unflavored vodka (See Tip 1)
  • 5 to 6 Whole vanilla beans (See Tip 2)

Instructions

  • Wash and sterilize the bottles that will be used. (See Tip 3)
  • With a sharp paring knife cut the vanilla beans down the middle. Place the beans in the clean bottle. Pour in vodka. Seal the bottle, and store in a cool, dark place. Let the vanilla extract age for at least 8-weeks before using, occasionally shaking the bottle. (See Tip 4)
  • Note: When the vanilla extract gets low, add more vodka to the bottle.

Notes

  1. It's important to use unflavored vodka. Also, you don't need to use an expensive vodka. If desired, you could use bourbon, rum or brandy in place of the vodka.
  2. I like to use Madagascar Bourbon Grade-A vanilla beans. My rule of thumb is to use 5 to 6 per 8 ounces of liquid.
  3. If you're using swing-top bottles, it's best not to put them in the dish washer. The reason is that the metal for the swing-top could corrode. 
  4. The longer the vanilla beans infuse, the better. I like to wait at least 5 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 13kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg