I’ve been wanting to make my own vanilla for years, but didn’t get around to it until this last fall. But I finally did it! And since I’m keepin’ it real, I didn’t bother transferring the vanilla extract to a different bottle for photos. 
The Tito’s Vodka bottle is great for pouring so its what I use to make my vanilla!
I remember when I first saw recipes for Homemade Vanilla Extract floating around the blogosphere. I read the posts and moved on. I mean, why make your own? But then I started baking and cooking more and I began to fly through bottles of expensive extract! So initially, I wanted to make my own in the hopes of saving some money. But also because it sounded like fun and really, its so ridiculous easy… why wouldn’t you?
I did some research and found that most recipes call for Vodka or Rum. However, vodka is generally preferred due to its more neutral flavor which therefore allows the vanilla flavor to shine through more. I think Rum would be a fabulous choice for extract though especially for baking. So don’t wait for years to get around to doing this like I did, go do it now! It only takes a few minutes to get a batch going!
Vanilla Extract
2 cups vodka
5-6 medium vanilla beans, whole
Split vanilla beans in half, lengthwise. Combine vanilla beans and vodka in a glass bottle or jar, make sure beans are completely covered by vodka.
Store tightened bottle or jar in a cool, dark place. Will be ready after 2 months or longer (give the bottle a shake every so often). To make more, continue to top off bottle with vodka and additional vanilla beans.
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I have always wanted to do this! Thanks for the tips.
wow, I’ve never heard of making your own vanilla extract, but what a great idea (and a money saver). That’s a good use for the vodka in the house that I can’t drink right now
Very cool! I’ll have to try this!
This looks so easy! Where do you recommend getting vanilla beans?
I typically buy my beans at World Market when they go on sale, and otherwise I get them from my grocery store (but the prices are not as good). I hear a lot of people have had good luck at Costco (or other warehouse stores) and ebay but I have no personal experience with either.
I started a bottle last year and have yet to use any of it for my own baking hahaha. I gave some as gifts for xmas but otherwise just like to go into the pantry and sniff it every once in a while mmmmmm SOOOO easy!
You’ve got a wonderful extract brewing right there! Love the color. I also use vodka but using rum sounds great too. I will have to try that
The wait always gets me. I made my own Earl Grey extract and only gave it two weeks. The flavor was there but it was faint.
Give it time!!
Thanks for the gentle backhand to my impatience. Your wait looks well worth it.
My man will be going to Brazil soon and I’ve told him to bring me coffee beans and vanilla beans. Lots of both.
Will be making my own soon. Good to know people have found beans at Costco. I may look there next time.
This has been on my to do list for such a long time too! Seems so much more economical and yummy!
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