Making Homemade Vanilla Extract (aka…Why Laura Bought a Gallon of Vodka)
ByYes indeed. The four boys and I went into Walmart a few days ago for the sole purpose of buying vodka. A gallon of it.
I felt the need to tell the check out lady why I was buying an entire gallon of vodka. She just looked at me like I was a lunatic and shrugged as if to say, “Hey, do whatever you want to with your vodka, girl.”
And then she wouldn’t let Justus carry it out of the store. You know…just in case I was buying the vodka for my nine year old minor.
It made for some good discussion on the way home: what drinking alcohol can do to your brain…why the lady had to make sure I was over 21 to buy it…why it’s okay to carry a watermelon out of Walmart when you’re nine but not a couple jugs of vodka.
All that to say: I just started my very first batch of homemade vanilla!!! I’m super excited. My friend Jill sent me a beautiful bottle of her homemade vanilla a couple of weeks ago and it’s fabulous!!! (I guess you could say that I was pressured by a friend into buying alcohol. “Go ahead Laura…make your own vanilla. Everyone’s doing it.”)
Now that I’m hooked on the idea…I thought I’d try to influence you too…
You will need:
A gallon jar
One gallon of Vodka (the cheap stuff is fine) (To keep you from standing in the liquor section too long to calculate this…2 bottles of 1.75 liters each will be the exact amount you need to make a gallon of vanilla.)
80Vanilla Beans (You’ll need about 3/4 pound to have 80 beans) – enter code hhm2010 for a 10% discount on Vanilla Beans through Olive Nation!!
Kitchen shears
Begin by slicing through each bean lengthwise, leaving about one inch at the top of each bean uncut so that it stays together.
See? Like this…
Place all of your cut Vanilla Beans into your jar.
Fill the jar with vodka. (I took the following picture with my left hand while pouring the vodka with my right hand. This proves that apparently…I can really handle my liquor.)
Once the jar is full with beans and vodka, put the lid on…then put the jar in a dark place (like in the back of a cabinet). It needs to stay there for SIX MONTHS in order to become vanilla extract! Occasionally, you should get it out and shake it up a bit, then put it back into it’s dark place.
Here’s the cool thing: If you start a batch of vanilla really soon…it will be ready in time to put into little bottles and give as Christmas gifts. (Family members reading this…you have exactly six months to forget all about this post and be surprised on Christmas morning.) If you don’t get it started right this minute…from what I’ve researched…a little less than six months of “vanilla extracting” time won’t hurt anything.
AND…if you don’t want to make a whole gallon of vanilla…you can make a lesser amount:
- 1/2 gallon of vanilla….use 1/2 gallon of vodka (1.75 liters) and 40 Vanilla Beans (enter code hhm2010 for a 10% discount!)
- 1 quart of vanilla…use one quart of vodka and 20 Vanilla Beans (enter code hhm2010 for a 10% discount!)
Well…I know I’ve influenced many of you to eat healthier and plant potatoes in a container. Is it now possible that several of you are going to run out to buy liquor? Tell the clerk the Heavenly Homemaker sent you.
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Read details on where to purchase small vanilla bottles here.
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I recommend that you purchase your Vanilla Beans through Olive Nation!! You’ll receive FREE SHIPPING and if you enter the code hhm2010 you’ll receive 10% off your entire order!!!! I bought my most recent batch of vanilla beans through Olive Nation and was VERY happy with their prices, promptness and quality of vanilla beans. Plus free shipping and a 10% discount? It can’t be beat! Thank you Olive Nation for offering HeavenlyHomemakers readers free shipping and a special 10% discount!
Oh, I forgot to ask my question! What would happen if one were to leave their vodka/vanilla bean mixture for longer than six months?
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Laura Reply:
January 12th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
This is my first round of vanilla making, but I’ve left my second jar for longer than six months an it’s doing fine. Leaving it for longer won’t hurt anything!
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I am wondering how long this vanilla will keep for food storage. Also, do the vanilla beans just disintegrate or do you have to strain them? I am also wondering where to find vanilla beans. I have often wanted to try different recipes that have used vanilla beans but I have never seen them at the grocery store before.
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Laura Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:17 pm
It will keep for years! You do have to strain out the vanilla beans. You can buy them at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CPZSC8?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwheavenlyho-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CPZSC8
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I can’t wait go out & get some vodka. I had a good laugh at your being able to handle your liquor….I hope I can handle mine as well as you. (;-D
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Just got my first gift of vanilla beans at Christmas and can’t wait to make my own vanilla! I got a laugh out of your post ~ I don’t drink vodka and the thought of purchasing a gallon would send me over the edge!
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I was wondering if it matters what proof the vodka is. I know you said cheap was okay, but wasn’t sure of the proof. I’ve been making herbal tinctures with vodka, and I know it has to be 80 proof for those, so I thought I would check. Sounds great and I would really like to make some myself.
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Laura Reply:
April 19th, 2010 at 9:25 am
As far as I know it doesn’t matter what proof it is…just go for cheap!
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Have you figured out how this compares price-wise to commercial vanilla extract? Just curious. I am thinking it must be frugal as you seem to be =0) one of the reasons I now get your posts via email. Don’t want to miss one single tip. =0) Thanks,Kelly
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Now it’s been about 10-11 months since you made your vanilla – can you do a follow-up? I’ve seen other recipes that used about 9 beans per bottle (and as few as 2 vanilla beans per bottle). So is yours really strong with 80 beans in a gallon??? And how’s the supply holding up for you? And the flavor?
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Laura Reply:
May 24th, 2010 at 6:48 am
That’s so funny that you would leave this comment yesterday….I JUST put up a post about vanilla. Now, it didn’t exactly answer all of your questions, but still just ironic! :)
http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/start-making-homemade-vanilla-for-christmas
Mine is very strong with 80 beans in a gallon…but that way I don’t have to use very much at a time. I gave a lot of it away at Christmas, but I still have three or four 8 ounce bottles left that I’m using. The flavor is FABULOUS!
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DorthyM Reply:
May 24th, 2010 at 7:28 am
I’m glad you mentioned that. How much do you use in standard recipes,
like say the recipe calls for a tablespoon . When you use your vanilla how much do you use?
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Laura Reply:
May 24th, 2010 at 7:49 am
I probably use about half the amount a recipe calls for!
Laura Reply:
May 24th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Can you add more vodka to last year’s beans and brew a new jar on the cheap?
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Laura Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Yes, but it’s not nearly as strong.
I made some in January 09 and I’m still using it and love it. The kids always ask me “what’s this?” when they see it on the counter bc I still have it in the original bottle lol
Making it this way pretty much insures that you will never run out. I add some to almost all baked goods because I love the flavor it gives the foods.
Great blog Laura!!!
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I must say that you just brightened my day with this post (I received the link through email.) Made me laugh AND I now know what my entired family will be getting for Christmas. And maybe my MOPS group too!! Thanks for the great info!
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Laura Reply:
May 24th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Ooh, what a great idea for a MOPS craft. Except for the carrying gallons of vodka into the church part!
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Wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing. I am always looking for new homemade iems to add to my Christmas goodies. This I am sure will be perfect!
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How many gifts did you give from one batch?
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Laura Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Well, I put mine into 8 ounce bottles (you could do 4 ounce if you want), so one gallon made 16 bottles. Sixteen gifts…except that I kept some for myself!
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What a great idea! I’m curious though, does the vanilla turn out dark, like most store bought vanillas or is it clear so I can use it in icings?
Thanks!
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Laura Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
It’s very dark.
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Laura, what awesome timing. I’m frugal but my husband is cheap. Let me explain. It hit 89 degrees yesterday here in Indiana. In honor of that event, we made some vanilla ice cream. Yum. We used up all our vanilla extract in the process and my husband said we should save the bottle and make our own. I thought he was crazy but threw it in the dishwasher, just in case. I guess I’ve got my first bottle! Thank you! You pressured me enough. :)
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I haven’t had much chance to make homemade ingredients before. I have a few quick questions.
Where did you get the gallon jar (I assume it is glass with a metal lid) and where do you find little containers for it? I would really love to make a batch to give to my multitudes of family members for Christmas, but I have no clue where to get the little glass containers, or any other sort to pour it into when its all done.
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Merry Jo Reply:
May 25th, 2010 at 5:02 am
We get our pickles in gallon jars (I found out they’re much cheaper that way!), so I’m going to use one of those to make some vanilla. I don’t know where else you’d get one, besides saving it from food ~ I looked for a good gallon jar for years because I like to make sun tea.
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Laura Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
I think someone gave my jar. But you can usually find them at hardware stores.
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Angela Reply:
May 30th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
ask on freecycle if you have one in your area
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Sarah Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Atwoods has a food and canning aisle and they sell all different sizes of mason jars. I was in there last week and saw that they had gallon size canning jars! Fantastic find. Now I can store my chicken stock in less than 10 leftover pasta sauce jars.
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Do you have to use the Madagascar vanilla beans? I’m finding Tahitian vanilla beans are cheaper to purchase, so just wondering why you chose the Madagascar beans?
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Laura Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Nope, you can use Tahitian if you want. Madagascar beans just made really delicious vanilla, and that’s what was recommended to me when I was first making it. I just used those upon their recomendation.
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I was confused when I first read this post, then I remembered that I didn’t first read it here! I read about it at pleonast.com in the homemade group. Aparently everyone IS doing it! :-)
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This is great!! I just made my batch yesterday after you posted the “start now & be ready for Christmas” post:) Two questions:
I halved the recipe (I hope that won’t mess up things to begin with), but does that mean mine will be ready in half the time?? Or does it still need 6 mths?
Also – after it’s ready, how long is it good for??
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Heather Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
its good forever! extracts never expire. and i assume you still need 6 months for it to be good!
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Laura Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Sorry it took me so long to reply…
Yes it still needs six months and it will be good forever and ever!! :)
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mandi@itsscome2this Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Thank you ladies!!
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My MIL made vanilla one year and gave it to me for Christmas. It was wonderful! This has made me excited to try my own.
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So, what do you think you would package this with as a gift? I know I have 6 months to think about this yet…but I’m a planner. Bottle of beautifully labeled vanilla and?
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Teri Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Rebecca, I just read you comment about making vanilla as a Christmas gift and thought I would suggest how I would package it. I would take a pretty basket (look for them at yard sales or thrift stores, line it with a piece of Christmas material or pretty kitchen towel, add one or two mixes (these could be muffin, cookie, or cake mixes) and either use cellophane bags or pretty jars to put them in, then add a spatula, spoon or other kitchen tool, add your recipe(s) and a pretty bow. These are very nice gifts, for any occasion, and your bottle of homemade vanilla would make anyone very happy. Colored sugar, sprinkles and other small baking items could also be added to your basket. Most of those items you can find at a dollar store and buy in bulk and divide into smaller containers. Also, instead of baskets, you might try to find mixing bowls at thrift stores or yard sales to use as your “container”. Hope this helps. Teri
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Rebecca @themommysaver Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Thanks Teri! I could totally do that. I actually just picked up 3 cool looking baskets!
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Laura Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 8:24 am
I have Vanilla Recipe Cards in my shop (downloadable – you can print as MANY as you want once you purchase): http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=56
These are super fun to give away with your vanilla bottles!
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I make a lot of cakes and use clear vanilla. Does this come out clear?
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Rebecca Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:35 pm
It definitely does not look clear. Mine has the normal dark vanilla color.
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Laura Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Nope, it is very dark. ;)
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I am excited to try this. Where would be a good place to purchase bottles for the vanilla? Thank you so much!
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Rebecca Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Laura made a post about where to get bottles here: http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/where-to-get-bottles-for-homemade-vanilla
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Laura Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Thanks Rebecca!
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Bourbon + madagascar vanilla beans = the closest thing to Heaven on Earth. Seriously, I swear by it!
Although, I like a vodka vanilla with Tahitian vanilla beans. More of a perfumy flavor and scent – the vodka lacks any scent,so it lets the more flowery beans just sparkle and shine!
I’m going to start my batch tomorrow, actually (August 1st) for Christmas gifts and to sell at Christmas time. :)
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Do you know what Vanilla Vodka would do for the recipe? Do you think it would be overkill? Can’t wait to try this. Thanks so much :)
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Laura Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:17 am
I don’t think I’d want to use vanilla vodka for making vanilla extract. I’m not familiar with vodka much, but I would imagine that the vanilla flavor in the vodka wouldn’t be natural and would mess with the awesome flavor of your real vanilla extract. I’d want to stick with straight vodka (not a sentence that I would normally say!)
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So four months is okay? If so I’ll start mine too!
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Laura Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:18 am
Yes, it’s okay. Six months makes it stronger, but I think you’ll be okay at four months.
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Wow this is a great idea, I’m in Canada and vanilla can be a little expensive sometimes in the stores, i am sooooo gonna try this as im forever using vanilla in my baking!Great idea!!xx
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Well, I decided I would ask my husband if he would pick me up a half gallon of vodka…. I should have waited until he was not eating to ask that I guess. He had a little trouble swallowing after that until I explained why I wanted it. We got a chuckle out of it though. He said we needed to find the vanilla beans first so we don’t have the vodka and not be able to find the beans. I would never have thought to do this. I am anxious to try it.
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my question is about the alcohol content of the vanilla. is it stronger than the stuff you buy in the store? does it taste like vodka when it is done?
this sounds good. hubby and i were trying to figure out the cost comparison and to me it seems good. i priced the vodka today when i went to Sam’s club and a gallon would be roughly $20 so then you would have the price of the beans. would love to try this, not only for me but to give as gifts to my family (large one) and friends. only thing is i would probably have to leave the state but certainly the county to buy the vodka being a pastors wife and all. or i guess i could have one of my siblings buy it for me! lol!
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Laura Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
It tastes like wonderful vanilla when it’s done (although I suppose if you tasted it by itself and not mixed into a recipe it would taste nasty!)!! I don’t think it tastes like vodka, although like I said, I don’t just eat it plain! It probably does have an “alcohol” type taste to it, but that’s pretty typical of all vanilla extracts. When you put it in ice cream or any other recipe, it just tastes like vanilla…SO yummy!
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as a missionary living in a foriegn country I discovered how to make this from a former missionary. but vanilla beans are quite expensive so we do things a bit different with the same great outcome. get a normal bottle of vodka, put in 6-10 uncut vanilla beans and let sit. (you can pop the top off the vodka to put the beans in and put it back on for easy pouring! :) I do need to start another one, I am halfway through a bottle and in about 6 months I will need it.
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oh AND we reuse our vanilla beans for the next round!
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I love this idea – sounds like a great economical way to keep vanilla in the house…and make some nice gifts too. Question – where do you find a gallon jar…and does it need to be glass? Also, where do you find smaller dark jars to store the vanilla in? Thanks!
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Laura Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I had a gallon jar from I don’t know where. :) I think you can find them at hardware stores? Or online I’m sure. I get my small dark bottles here: http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/where-to-get-bottles-for-homemade-vanilla
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I found your website by accident and have really been enjoying it. Was a little late finding your vanilla recipe to get a full 6 months by Christmas. Got my beans today and they are now being happy with the vodka. If I bottle it in mid Dec. and put a couple of the beans in the bottle with instructions to let it sit another 2 months, would that help? Also, when the extract is done, do you just let the beans dry and use in something else (like sugar)?
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I am excited to try this recipe. However, I tried to use the coupon code hhm2010 and it comes up as expired and will not apply to my purchase.
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Michelle Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:05 am
Yikes! I had a space before the code and it didn’t recognize the code. I tried again and it worked this time! Thanks!
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We do not use alcohol in our home at all as a matter of principle. Do you have a recipe for making this alcohol-free? If not, can you recommend a good source to buy alcohol-free vanilla?
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Laura Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:20 am
I don’t know how to make it without alcohol, but Olive Nation sells an alcohol free variety: http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=16238&userID=355685&productID=471323533
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