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.
————————————————-
Read details on where to purchase small vanilla bottles here.
————————————————-
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!
I remember being carded the first time I bought beer for homemade beer bread. I almost felt guilty, and I ended up explaining to the cashier that I was making bread with it. They do look at you like you have two heads when you explain your alcohol purchases!
Thanks for the GREAT gift idea!! I have some foodie friends who would really appreciate this. Do you have any idea what the shelf life of the vanilla is once it becomes extract?
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I would imagine that the vanilla you make should last for several years…should it last for that many years… :)
[Reply]
You crack me up! :)
Not only was this an informative post, but also quite hilarious. “handle your liquor well” hahahahah! good one. :)
I have been wanting to try this, but didn’t really know what type of vodka to buy. Is there good stuff? bad stuff? I even heard of potato vodka once? Is there organic vodka? Does it matter? Too many options. I like your comment of “the cheap stuff is fine” – that helped! thank you!
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
All I know is that I was told that it just really didn’t matter about the quality of vodka. You’d think I might have looked for organic (is there such thing as organic vodka?). I was mostly just trying to hurry out of the liquor aisle.
[Reply]
Jennifer Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
I really like your tutorial on homemade bread, and you linked here. But, I saw this and had to say that yes…there is such thing as Organic Vodka. A friend got some as a gift or something, and as a joke gave it to me, because they are almost anti-organic, where I’m working on being full blown organic, :)
[Reply]
Jenn Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 6:23 am
Ok, I think I can help you out a little bit. All alcohol is made by fermenting some type of grain, fruit, etc. Vodka is made by fermenting potatoes. I’m not sure about organic vodka, but I know they make organic beer, so organic vodka might exist. As far as the kind, don’t get anything with flavor, just the regular stuff. More expensive vodka tastes better and is supposed to be less likely to give you a hangover. Since you obviously won’t be drinking copious amounts of vanilla, your best bet is to go with the absolute cheapest vodka you can find. As I understand it, it is the quality of the vanilla beans, not the quality of the alcohol makes vanilla taste good.
[Reply]
I love it! Here in Montana you have to go to an actual liquor store to buy hard alcohol, I wanted to do vanilla two Christmases ago, and it took me a while to decide it was actually worth it to go to a liquor store to buy it, but I got bourbon (I think!) instead of vodka. I was 23 and had my newborn with me and didn’t get carded :o)
[Reply]
I posted about doing this too…Wow I feel like you are my soul sister. It’s in my March blog archive. I think I even put down the same whereabouts for buying the vanilla beans. (right now I am humming the theme for the Twilight zone).
Thanks for reminding me, I need to start making some vanilla.
Check out making Calendula oil I have posted there.
[Reply]
Ok, that’s hilarious. Would love to have been in Wal Mart with you that day!
[Reply]
I just started my ‘vanilla experiment’ about a week ago. I, too, was scandalized by having to buy vodka. This was my very first alcoholic beverage purchase in all my 40 years. It felt so strange. I also had to explain my purchase to the cashier who was somewhat interested to hear that you can make your own vanilla extract.
I think this will be the Christmas of homemade vanilla along the vein of previous ‘mix in a jar’ and ‘gel air freshener’ crazes. It seems like everybody is doing the vanilla lately.
[Reply]
Interesting post! I’ve never seen homemade vanilla before. And I thought your story was hilarious, especially the part in the comments section about trying to hurry out of the liquor aisle. My husband drinks occasionally but I do not, and he laughs at me because I don’t want anyone to see me looking at or buying alcohol. He’s explained to me that people buy it all the time, and aren’t even going to give it a second thought when they see someone else buying it, but I still won’t buy it. Good thing I don’t like the stuff!
[Reply]
Laura you are hilirious! This is amazing too…I was just telling my hubby how easy it is to MAKE the crazy expensive vanilla (I think I saw Cheeseslave make it), but how hard it would be for me to buy vodka! I might just have to go buy it now!
So, does this make it organic? What would?
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 7:58 am
If you used organic vanilla beans and organic vodka it would create organic vanilla. I used regular on both so mine isn’t organic.
[Reply]
Oh, and what was the total cost?
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 8:07 am
Oh YEAH, I meant to talk about that in my post. To make one gallon:
One gallon of vodka: $24.00
80 vanilla beans: $48.00
Total cost: $72.00
Cost to PURCHASE a 4 oz. bottle of vanilla: $5.00+ depending on where you get it.
Cost of homemade vanilla per 4 oz.: $2.24
Pretty nice savings!! :)
[Reply]
This reminds me of buying hard alcohol to have around for sore throats. The lady was impressed, “Who told you about drinking brandy for sore throats, Hon?” I got the blackberry flavored kind. It not only disinfects and numbs the throat, it puts me to sleep too (so nice when you’re sick). Too bad I couldn’t use it while I was pregnant! The smallest bottle I could buy is still going to last us a long time. And it was a very scary feeling going into the liquor part of the store to buy it. I just KNEW someone I knew was going to run into me on my way in or out (they didn’t).
I’ll have to look into doing this myself. I suppose the same concept would work with mint or lemon and such?
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 8:08 am
Hmm I never thought about it but I’m sure it would work with mint or lemon. Maybe I’d better go get me some more liquor. :)
[Reply]
You are too funny! Great idea, thank you for sharing! We love vanilla around here, so I’ll probably be buying some liquor too…heehee
[Reply]
Oh, we have some in the cupboard that we’re making….but a much smaller amount.
Walmart sells alcohol there?!?!?! Crazy! We have to go to the Beer Store or the Liquor store for anything alcoholic.
Only you could make such a funny post! Good luck.
[Reply]
Oh man, to have been a fly on your shoulder and have seen that clerk’s face would have been priceless…On a better note, yummy! Thanks for the tip.
[Reply]
My sister gave us a bottle of vodka vanilla for Christmas last year… and my wife loves it. She even includes a little in her hot chocolate [smile].
~Luke
[Reply]
Wow. That’s just about all I can say. Wow. I am SO making my own vanilla this weekend! I love the idea of giving it as a Christmas gift..I can just see it…pretty packaging and trying to convince my family I did infact make these and NO I did not tip the bottle a little. Bookmarked and Stumbled! I cannot forget this! Thanks!
Oh, and you are too funny! I will be back!
[Reply]
best. post. ever. I can’t stop laughing at you… er, with you. Organic vodka? hehehehe
I’m glad you mentioned the cost involved. It’s actually a bit higher than I thought. But, still a great deal. I just might have to try this!
[Reply]
I forgot to ask… and maybe you posted it somewhere and I overlooked it. If you pour it into smaller containers, after 6 months, to give as gifts, do you leave the beans in there?
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 9:12 am
No, sorry I forgot to mention that part. After six months, you remove the beans.
[Reply]
I’ve seen this same thing blogged about before, by a family who’s been doing this for awhile. BUT – their recipe is considerably different… I think it was 3 or 4 beans per ‘jug’, and they let it sit for 3 or more months. I’m currently making a batch that way right now.
Now I’m worried, though… That’s a pretty big difference!
Here’s the link, if you want. (oh, it looks like her bottle is smaller, but still far fewer vanilla beans)
[Reply]
This is funny– about 3 weeks ago I went out and bought vodka and rum for making vanilla. And I felt like I needed to explain myself too. BUT. I didn’t buy a GALLON. I bought a couple smaller bottles, and it’s just for us around the house. For VANILLA. I read that rum or whiskey work for vanilla, so I decided to try it. We’ll see! It really does work out cheaper than buying the good vanilla extract, doesn’t it?
[Reply]
Oh my word… too funny! I hope I can be on the list of folks who get some at Christmas. I promise to forget all about this post and be VERY surprised! :-)
[Reply]
I bought vanilla beans a couple of months ago and still haven’t bought the Vodka! I keep forgetting, and our Wal-Mart apparently doesn’t have a license to carry it. :-) I was just telling my husband that I have to remember to buy some so I can get this stuff going – you’ve inspired me!
I don’t know if I’ve ever commented before, but I love your blog!
[Reply]
Laura I feel your pain! I buy vodka to make vodka cream pasta sauce. My husband and I don’t drink at all so I was really embarassed to be purchasing vodka. ESPECIALLY, when the clerk wouldn’t let me buy it because it was 5am. I tried to explain that it was for pasta sauce but I am pretty sure she thought I was a lush as she grabbed it out of my hands :) Totally embarassing!!!! I don’t grocery shop at 5am anymore!
PS: My mom (Jill) gave me some of her vanilla, too, and boy is it yummy :)
[Reply]
I really want to do this I found out about it last year! Thanks for reminding me!!!
[Reply]
That’s funny. Actually we already have a stash of vodka for homemade mouthwash. But we would need more. It looks interesting.
[Reply]
This makes the best vanilla. I got some as a wedding gift and just now ran out of it. I am about to make some more on my own. Thank you for showing all the steps to make it.
[Reply]
This post is TOO FUNNY, as are all the comments!!! I think I’m going to send my husband to WalMart to get me some Vodka – I’m certainly not going to buy it, because the Pastor’s mother will probably be there and see me, my b/p would skyrocket from embarrassment, and I too would feel that I need to explain myself to the check-out clerk!!!
QUESTION – what types of bottles do you put these in and where do you purchase them? I’ve saved my Simply Organic Vanilla bottles (just in case I needed them for something!), but I won’t have enough to use as gifts and I’m not sure it would be ok to give them ‘used’ bottles . . .
Thanks for making me laugh today!
[Reply]
Julie Reply:
December 5th, 2009 at 10:27 am
I think one of those large pickle jars would be the perfect size, but you would have to purchase the pickles and in our house that would be a waste because we rarely eat pickles. Maybe you could call a local restaurant and see if they have any large jars they are throwing out.
[Reply]
This is the Jill who gave Laura the homemade vanilla. Just a couple of things. The more beans the richer the flavor. You can always add more beans if you started it and dont feel like you have enough in your jar. Second, do take out the beans at the end of the 6 months. Now, what to do with those beans?
Do NOT throw them away. Now you can make vanilla sugar. It is much like cinammon sugar but yummier. Take all the beans out and strain the vanilla through a coffee filter. It will take out the little caviar left. Now, put all the beans on a cookie sheet and leave on the counter at room temperature for 3-4 days. They will change color and dry out which is what you want. Now buy sugar. Sorry Laura I used white sugar. Put sugar in a large container and add the beans and close. Please make sure the beans are dry. I let them sit 5 days, it wont matter. In just a few days you have vanilla sugar that you can sprinkle on anything you want sweet.I am using some for snickerdoodles. You have enough to make 15 # of vanilla sugar. Now go to your local grocery store and purchase a little jar that shakes. Fill it and put a pretty label on it and give it as the second gift with the vanilla extract for Christmas. I love it. I am working on my third gallon :) Hope that helps.
Blessings
Jill
[Reply]
Jennifer Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I’m curious why you take the beans out after 6 months? I use about 3 or 4 beans in a small jar and just leave them in. I’ve had mine in the bottle for over two years, and as long as they stay covered with the alcohol (I add more each time I use it), they are fine. The vanilla sugar does sound yummy though!
[Reply]
Here is the link for the amber bottles used for vanilla. You dont want clearn glass. It needs to be dark.
http://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/fin120b.html
Also, Laura spent about 15$ more on her beans, not quite sure why? It is usually about $29 for me, I use Madagascar beans at
http://www.vanillareview.com/2008/vanilla-products-usa-ebay/
Jill
[Reply]
Great post! I have a friend who made vanilla using bourbon. So yummy.
[Reply]
I bought a bottle of Perpetual Vanilla from Hartley’s Herbs at a craft show in Jacksonville, FL many, many years ago (about 10!). It’s the same as what you have featured here (You can use either rum or vodka as the alcohol base). I had one (small) bottle of the vanilla for about three years (I used it frequently and just added a bit more rum each time). I found it was less expensive for me to buy the kit from Steve at Hartley’s Herbs than it was to buy the vanilla beans on my own. If anyone is interested in ordering from Hartley’s Herbs, the link is: http://www.hartleysherbs.com/perpetual_vanilla.html They’re a great company (with which I am in no way affiliated)! BTW, their clove and cinnamon extracts are also phenomenal! (You can use the cinnamon extract for anything you would ordinarily use ground cinnamon.)
[Reply]
I posted below about the “Perpetual Vanilla” we bought from Hartley Herbs. I paid $8.00 for a 5oz bottle that contained the beans at a craft show. I just added rum. The great thing about this is that you leave the beans in indefinitely and you just add more rum each time you use it… so you end up with a LOT more than 5oz of vanilla. I’ve been using mine about 3 years, and I use it frequently. Eventually it does lose it’s flavor and you have to either add more beans or start over. With this size jar, it recommends you wait 4 weeks before using when you first add the rum, but you don’t have to wait to use it when you add additional alcohol. Make sense? Anyway, I LOVE mine – it has an unbeatable flavor when used in cookies, cakes, icing – you name it! You can do the same thing with cloves, cinnamon, and allspice! So, my point is, if you leave a few beans in the jars you give as gifts, they might be able to be refilled and used even longer… which further lowers the cost per 4oz.
[Reply]
I was just planning this out yesterday, so it’d be ready for Christmas gifts. I’m glad to see it done before I actually try it– it’s my first time. Thanks for the pictures!
[Reply]
I did this a few months ago! My bottle is nice and brown now…and it smells delicious! I can’t wait to try it- I didn’t use as many beans though. I think you can get away with fewer and still have a good taste. I know FDA mandates a certain # or amount or % or something to technically be “vanilla extract” but really, I don’t care if I meet their standards!!
[Reply]
I am new to your site and am visiting via another blogger who like you share the passion of eating and living better. I am glad I found this post… for the past several weeks I have been needing to get me the Vodka for my Vanilla Extract making as well, sadly husband is deployed and although maybe in my former rebel life going into a liquor store would be nothing, but because of the new found love I have for Jesus…. trying to go into a liquor store by myself has been quite the challenge…especially when I have my children with me… If Liqour was sold at my walmart maybe it would be easier… who knows but Liquor is only sold in well the Liquor stores…Wanna come to OK and we go into together.. ha ha
[Reply]
How cool! I was going to ask about the savings- looks pretty good to me!
[Reply]
This is a great, funny, well-photo-documented post. Someday I’m going to run the numbers to see if homemade vanilla is really more frugal than buying bulk vanilla. Thanks for entering the Make it From Scratch Carnival!
[Reply]
LOL! Thanks for the laugh. I want to try this. I buy regular wine to marinate venison, the first time, I told the clerk at Aldi’s and now, they all know. Thanks for a great site.
[Reply]
Here from the Make it from Scratch carnival. What a wonderful idea for homemade holiday gifts! Thanks for the instructions!
[Reply]
I’ve got a few bottles of vodka-vanilla going right now in my cupboard, and I just bought a bottle of bourbon today to try making bourbon-vanilla. I buy my liquor, er, my vanilla-making supplies at our Class 6 on post (Army liquor store), and since my husband is deployed, the kids come with me…all 4 of them! I’ve gotten some funny looks, but no comments…not even the day one of my daughters asked loudly if “all of these other people were going to make vanilla too”. Ah, the innocence of children! Our infrequent trips to the liquor store DO make for some GREAT conversations in the van, though! Thanks for making me smile today, Laura!
[Reply]
Or, you could use 1 vanilla bean in a smaller jar and add vodka.
when in Hawaii last year on a cruise, I toured The Hawaiian Vanilla Company. They sold jars with a vanilla bean inside. You filled the bottle with vodka, then kept adding vodka when it got low. It took 6 weeks for the vodka to ‘cure’.
Here’s a link to that product. I am not sure how many ounces it is, but you could get a jar and put a vanilla bean in there. Sure cheaper than 80 vanilla beans and a gallon of vodka.
BTW, it is the LAW a child cannot carry liquor out of a place of business. If caught, the business is liable for ’selling to a minor’ even if they didn’t.
[Reply]
I have a good friend who also shared with me the method of making homemade vanilla. My kids were also with me when I bought the vodka at Sam’s Club!! I am thinking of making my next batch with either run or bourbon (the good stuff you buy at the grocery store is usually made with this). This does make very good homemade vanilla ice cream.
[Reply]
I emailed the Hawaiin Vanilla Company, the jar is 12 oz. You split the bean exposing the inner seeds, fill the 12 oz. jar with vodka. You then leave it for 6 weeks, as you use the vanilla extract, you replenish with more vodka. the bean just stays in there.
I haven’t used my bean yet, it is vacuum sealed inside the jar, so it isn’t moldy or bad. You have all inspired me to do this now.
[Reply]
I’ve order my beans and picked up the vodka. Now I’m only wondering what you use to give it in? Do you purchase glass bottles or jars? Or do you recycle bottles of jars from everyday? Specially Bottle seems to be the best online source for 4 oz amber bottle with caps, when you throw in shipping and purchase 40, it’s about $1 each. Not bad when you’re considering gifts for a LOT of daycare workers, family members, friends, neighbors….
Thanks and love your blog!
[Reply]
I had no idea that was all there is to it! Thanks for sharing!
:)
[Reply]
Do you have to use a glass container for storing or can you use the plastic container it came in? Also, any ideas on where to purchase containers for giving these as gifts?
[Reply]
I got my beans in the mail today (thanks Jill for the link), and ran to the liquor store. You’re right – I too had the need to explain why I was buying 2 big bottles of vodka as I was carrying my 22 month old along with my 5-year old. The woman behind the counter didn’t even bat an eye at what I was buying. I didn’t even need to explain it to my 5-year old. She did offer to carry one of the bottles if I took it off the shelf for her.
I ended up using 4-quart size canning jars as I didn’t have 1 gallon jar.
Thanks for the idea! This will be fun for Christmas.
[Reply]
I stumbled onto your website and have to laugh at all the “embarrased to be seen buying liquor” comments. We must run in very different circles. No dinner party is complete without red wine. Any good BBQ should include a weirdly colored frozen drink that contains rum. Super Bowl and St. Pattys- you might as well get half a keg. Dont get me started on New Years Eve!! I dont think twice about buying liquor. Im more embarrassed to buy feminine products-and Im 42! I once went to a liquor store while I was 7 months pregnant for a get together. (I couldnt drink it, but why should my guests suffer?)You ladies come on over to my place- I make a mean pomegrante martini!!
[Reply]
I just recently started following your blog and I have to tell you that I love it! And this idea of making your own vanilla is such a wonderful idea! I can’t wait to try it. Do you know what happends if you keep it in the jar for say 10 months? Does it just get richer?
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I believe that it might get a little bit richer…but after six months, the vanilla beans are probably as “extracted” as they can get. This is my first batch though, so I’m really not for sure!
[Reply]
Wow that is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!!!! I will be making some of this for sure!!!!! Thank you for posting the recipe. I do have a few question. Do you store it in the gallon jug? Have you ever kept the full amount for yourself?? Did it go bad after a while? Thanks for all your help.
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
January 12th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
I put it into smaller bottles to use and give as gifts. Here’s a follow-up post I wrote about that: http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/where-to-get-bottles-for-homemade-vanilla
[Reply]
I am SO excited about making my own vanilla!
I just wanted to mention that you CAN purchase organic vodka. I know of one brand, called Crop, but I’m sure there are others.
Thanks for this post!
[Reply]