How to make Vanilla Extract

You need only two ingredients to make Vanilla Extract. Good quality Vanilla Bean pods and a decent bottle of Vodka, Bourbon or Gin. It'll take at least 6 months before you have a good optimum flavour. The best Vanilla Extract is the one you make. Be patient, it's worth waiting for. 

Because of the length of time it takes for the flavours to infuse into the alcohol, why not make a batch now. In 6 - 8 months time, or longer if you can bear to wait that length of time you will have the best flavoured vanilla extract. 

A little patience is needed while you wait for the flavours to brew. But it'll be worth the wait. TIP: Once you've used the contents of the first bottle, DO NOT throw the old pods away, keep them in the bottle, you'll be able to top it up with more vodka and additional Vanilla Pods. It'll mature while you're using the second bottle. Although between now and then, I'll probably have more bottles maturing so that I have an uninterrupted supply.

What variety of Vanilla Pods to use?

Over the years Vanilla pods have become a very expensive commodity. Many vanilla farmers are having to do what they can to protect their crops from thieves and poachers. There are several kinds of Vanilla Pods that you can use.

• Madagascar Vanilla
• Mexican Vanilla
• Tahitian Vanilla
• Uganda Vanilla

You can buy individual Vanilla Pods at the supermarkets. If you buy in bulk online, make sure you buy a good quality product from a reputable supplier.

How to make Homemade Vanilla Extract.

Have ready 2 x 250ml bottles that are thoroughly cleaned and washed, with suitable secure tops. Add 6 large vanilla pods to each one. Fitting them into the bottles is easier if you place the curved end of the Vanilla Pod in first.

Fill each bottle with vodka, making sure you cover the vanilla pods as much as you can. Then secure the top and give them a little shake. Place the bottles in a cool dark place for at least 6 months. Give each bottle a shake every week or so.

After only 10 days you can already see the difference in colour. Although it isn't anywhere near ready to use, you can imagine, how luxuriously dark and flavoursome it will be after 6 months and longer.

Do you need to slice the Vanilla Pods?

I don't always slice the pods before adding them to the bottles. That's because I want to squeeze out the flavoured Vanilla Bean Paste from some of the beans when the extract is ready.

When you are ready to extract the paste, first, snip the end of a pod and then squeeze out the contents. Pop the bean back into the bottle to continue infusing the vodka. You can use the flavoured paste in your baking and cooking as normal.

How to Make Vanilla Extract in a Vodka Bottle

You can make large quantities of Vanilla Extract directly into a Vodka bottle using a minimum of 12 large Vanilla Pods. Before you add the pods, pour out some of the Vodka into a jug. Add the vanilla pods to the Vodka Bottle, if you wish, you can slice a few of the beans to release the Vanilla Seeds into the Vodka. Top up with the remaining vodka making sure all the vanilla beans are covered.

Secure the top and give the bottle a good shake then store it in a cool dark cupboard while it matures, remember to give it a shake every week or so. Create small bottles of Vanilla Extract using any excess Vodka or keep in a small bottle to top up later.

While you're waiting for the Vanilla to infuse, take a look at some of my Vanilla flavoured recipes.

Easy Vanilla Buttermilk Scones

Vanilla sheet cake with white chocolate frosting and strawberries

Vanilla Bundt Cake with a Blueberry Sauce

Valentine Vanilla Shortbread with white chocolate drizzle

How to make a Victoria Sponge Cake

FAQ's about Making Vanilla Extract