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.)
80 Vanilla Beans (You’ll need about 3/4 pound to have 80 beans) – enter code hhm2012 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 FOUR to 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.
To complete your vanilla once six months have passed: strain out your vanilla beans with a coffee filter lined colander and tada…you have vanilla extract! Bottle it up in dark amber bottles - give it as gifts and start cooking with it yourself!! Yum!
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 hhm2012 for a 10% discount!)
- 1 quart of vanilla…use one quart of vodka and 20 Vanilla Beans (enter code hhm2012 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. Also, you can read this post to learn how to finish and strain your vanilla after 4-6 months.
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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 hhm2012 you’ll receive 10% off your entire order!!!! (The free shipping applies to vanilla bean purchases only!) 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!
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You can purchase dark amber bottles here!!
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Here’s where I ordered my labels for vanilla bottles. ;)
Just finished my first batch of vanilla and it is not as dark looking as your picture. How dark should it be? Mine has sat for 6 months now. Thanks!!!!
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Laura Reply:
August 3rd, 2011 at 6:27 am
Maybe my picture just looks dark. :) I’m sure yours is fine. My finished product is dark, but still see through.
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Thank you for the post & especially where you purchase the beans (which was my biggest worry).
Do the amber bottles have to be glass?
Thanks!
Kim
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Laura Reply:
July 24th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Glass really is best, for a more pure tasting vanilla. Otherwise, the plastic leaches into the vanilla, changing the flavor.
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Hi Laura…I just purchased and downloaded the vanilla recipe cards and can’t get them to print. Am I suppose to be able to print them? Thanks for the recipe…ordered the vanilla beans…just in time for Christmas gifts!
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Laura Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 10:37 am
They are jpgs and are printable. I usually upload mine to Walgreens or Walmart and have them print them for me there as 4×6 cards (pictures).
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I make my own vanilla, too, only I use rum instead of vodka. I notice you posted about selling yours on your site. Do you have to have a license or approval for that since it’s food? Or could I just stick it on my blog and sell it?
I love your site! It’s so helpful about so many things!
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Laura Reply:
August 3rd, 2011 at 6:24 am
We don’t have a license, since we’re doing it on small scale.
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hi dear laura, i just love vanilla n the thought of making my own is mind blowin! only,my family is really small,just 4 of us, so ur quart recipe,the smallest amount possible made me purr!6months is soooooooooooo far away!also, i already bought some vanilla beans at my local store, but im not sure if the quality is really worth the price or not, but do u think it will really make a huge difference?should i wait to buy really good quality beans or will the end result be ok?lol,am a novice, so pl bear if u find my requests juvenile!ur doing a truly great job n i soo love ur blog!ur cleaver writings are enough to tempt a person like me to cook, n that,girl,is saying a lot!thanks in advance n best regards,
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Laura Reply:
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:31 am
I’d say use the ones you bought first, they will surely be fine!
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I bought enough beans to make 1/2 gallon of vanilla. Can I put it in a gallon jar or do I need a smaller jar? Any idea where I can find a 1/2 gallon jar?
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Laura Reply:
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:33 am
A half gallon jar would be perfect – I have purchased mine through Azure Standard, although I’ve also seen them at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYE26?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwheavenlyho-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0000BYE26
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Barbara aka jordansgrandma Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Monica says:
July 29, 2011 at 8:14 pm
I bought enough beans to make 1/2 gallon of vanilla. Can I put it in a
gallon jar or do I need a smaller jar? Any idea where I can find a
1/2 gallon jar?
I know this quite a few months after Monica asked this question,
but I thought I would let everyone here know that you can get
1/2 gal jars and other sizes from your local Ace Hardware store.
The 1/2 gallon jars are 11.99 for a box of 6. If you have them
order them and send them to the store there is no shipping
charges. I have ordered twice from them and just go into the
store and pick them up.
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Oh man, I chuckled while reading this! I have been wanting to make vanilla for forever. In our state we can’t get alcohol at the WalMarts, so that means I have to send my Hubby to the liquor store. Considering they won’t let me take my kids in there. The nerve! Oh, and also, I can’t leave my kids in the running vehicle while I run in the store. The nerve! ;) Wish I would have started this sooner, it would have made great Christmas presents!!!
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Greetings from Kenya! I started a personal batch of vanilla extract back in April. After viewing your site I took a road trip last month to a neighboring country to purchase vanilla beans. I’ve just finished two batches comparing different vodkas. Also met with farmers who grow vanilla beans and saw them still on the vine. I will be back for harvest time! Please share the sticker information (again). I am having trouble finding the seller on etsy.com. Thinking of selling 2 & 4 oz bottles at local farmer’s markets here.
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Laura Reply:
August 7th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Wow, I’m jealous of your vanilla bean farmers!!! Here’s the link for where to purchase the labels: http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/vanilla-stickers
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Linda Heitman Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
I am curious to know if the different qualities of vodkas give different
qualities of vanilla. Also, how do you seal the bottles for sale?
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LindseyforLaura@HHM Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
The cheap vodka will work out just fine. The seals Laura buys are from sksbottles.com
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Could I make some now and still have it ready for Christmas gifts?? I know we’re just under 5 months away rather than 6… Is it too late?
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Lauren Reply:
August 7th, 2011 at 9:17 am
Or could I just make the vanilla in very small jars and give them with instructions to let them sit for a month more???
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Laura Reply:
August 7th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
You’d be just fine to start now. Even if your vanilla just has 4 months, it will be okay! (Six months just makes it a little stronger.)
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Challenge Reply:
November 13th, 2011 at 7:56 am
When you give vanilla to your crafty friends/family as a gift: you can even leave a cut vanilla bean in the amber bottle and tell them to add vodka to it when they have used 1/4 of the vanilla! Also, they can appparently store that vodka in the freezer almost indefinitely. Of course, this has the vanilla beans in it & won’t be something you tell all your people that you give gifts to. Just aextra tip :)
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Do you know of any way to seal the bottles? I would love to make my own vanilla (since I use so much of it!), but we move frequently, and the movers don’t allow open containers of liquid. :\
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Laura Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 8:48 am
I buy plastic seals from SKS bottles that work great!
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Amanda Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Link? I’m having a hard time finding it.
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Laura Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Here’s what I use: http://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/fin6484.html
I made my first batch of vanilla today! Yeah! I had a few extra vanilla beans left over can I ask what you did with your extra ones? Did you just put the extras in the jar? Thanks so much for all you do.
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Laura Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Yes, if I only have a few extra, I put them into the jar. If I have a lot extra, I make another smaller jar of vanilla!
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it is mid august…am I too late for christmas this year?
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Laura Reply:
August 15th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Naw, you’re not too late. Six months is best but even four or five months will produce a really good vanilla!
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Hello,
Please, what do you charge for your extract minus the shipping costs?
Thank you.
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Laura Reply:
August 17th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/weve-got-vanilla-for-sale That link will take you to our sale page (we’re currently sold out) – we added $3/bottle for shipping.
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Started my vanilla last night! So excited! My son (3 y.o.) says it looks like there are spiders in the bottle.
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Big ol’ apologies if you’ve already answered this question and I missed it somewhere…but on the Olive Nation site it shows the vanilla beans in pounds…not per bean (for over 16 beans). How much poundage for a gallon of vodka?
Thank ya!
And thanks for the great idea…I can’t wait to shock my family and friends with the fact that I bought vodka. :)
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Laura Reply:
August 17th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
You need 3/4 pound for 80 beans (which makes one gallon). I usually buy one pound and make a little extra with the extra beans!
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how many bottles did you fill from a gallon? and what size bottles??? i am thinking of using 4oz.
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Laura Reply:
August 27th, 2011 at 8:42 am
I have done a variety of 2 oz, 4 oz and 8 oz, with 4 oz being my favorite. The size of bottles you choose with make the number of bottles needed vary, but one gallon is 128 ounces, so you can just divide using that number to figure out what you need!
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If I use vodka for this, does it have to be “plain” vodka, or do you think I could use one of the flavored vodkas….for example, the whipped vodka?
This is a great idea!
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Laura Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
I am really clueless when it comes to liquor. I’d stick with plain vodka – I’m not sure how the others would work!
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Just ordered my vanilla beans! Can’t wait to get them!!
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YAY!!!!! Got my vanilla beans in today. I knew I should have bought that bottle of vodka yesterday. So excited to get my vanilla extract started!!!
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Hello, I’m very excited to try making my own vanilla but was wondering if I would be able to use rum instead of vodka? I was able to get some at 50 cents a 750ml bottle but now I don’t know what to use the rum in, as we aren’t much of the drinking type so this would be perfect! If anyone has tried this, I’d love to know. Thanks :)
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Laura Reply:
September 8th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
I think so but I’m actually not sure. (I’m totally ignorant when it comes to liquor.) :)
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Awesome, awesome, awesome! Just what I need to get me started on making my own homemade Vanilla Extract! Thanks Laura!
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This is a great idea since I do so much baking. I’m ready to start making this! Thanks for all your great ideas, Laura.
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i would love to try these. i do a lot of baking and this would complement those dishes so well. thank you Laura for having such a giving heart.
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I would love to make my own Vanilla extract. Can not afford the beans or the vodka without any income. (Hubs had bad stroke and needs 24 hr care. Maybe someday.
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I have my first batch steeping for Christmas. I’d love to make some more!
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I’ve never used fresh vanilla beans before, but would love to give it a try.
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Just started mine today!!!! Can’t wait to try it and to give some to my family when I go down south for the holidays!!
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How long does it keep?
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Laura Reply:
September 9th, 2011 at 11:56 am
Pretty much forever – I’d say for years and years!
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Your enthusiasm is contagious! Now I want to try making my own batch of pure vanilla. Thank you for the discount code.
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I am making my first batch have told friends about it and they are anxiously awaiting for my results to show up in their christmas basket.
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sounds amazing!
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It would be fantastic to make homemade vanilla with no additives.
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I have never made vanilla but it sure sounds good! I am going to try it, if it turns out well, I will give some for birthday gifts!
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Looks like fun! I’d love to win so I could give it a try!
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I’m ready whenever you are ready to send it! Thanks!:)
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I’ve been wanting to try my hand at making vanilla for a long time.
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Just ordered 1/2 lb of beans. How much vodka should I use for that much. Would a gallon be too weak?
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Laura Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 8:23 am
I’d use 3/4 gallon of vodka for 1/2 pound of beans. A gallon would still work okay if you choose to do that, it just wouldn’t be quite as strong.
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Why can’t we just put the vanilla beans in the vodka bottle?
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Laura Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 8:24 am
The vodka I get is in plastic bottles and I prefer glass when I make vanilla. If you can fit your beans into the vodka bottle though and you prefer this, go for it! It would certainly work!
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Vanessa Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Mine came in a glass bottle, I just dumped about 2 Tbps of it out and the beans fit just fine. thanks!
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I have heard that homemade vanilla extract does not taste very good in uncooked items. Has anyone tried this?
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Laura Reply:
September 30th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I use it in unbaked items all the time (ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes) and it’s great!
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Do you also use the seeds from the vanilla beans or pitch them? I can’t seem to find that answer anywhere. Thanks.
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Laura Reply:
October 4th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
I leave them in with the vodka while making vanilla.
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Thanks so much for the link on the vanilla beans! I just ordered mine and am so excited to provide another homemade staple for my family!! Sure appreciate all helpful advice!!
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After letting the vanilla sit for 6 months, when I need to replenish the vodka, is it necessary to let it sit again? Would I be able to continue using it if I had added vodka?
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Laura Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:28 am
It would be best to let it sit again after adding more vodka, and since the beans have been used, the vanilla won’t be as strong. I recommend using adding less vodka the second time around so the beans can be more concentrated.
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How long does the vanilla keep?
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Laura Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
For years and years!
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If the vodka bottle is plastic is that okay. I did everything that was specified. I am almost ready to pour into smaller bottles. Is it okay if the bottles are clear or do they have to colored glasses or should i put them in holders
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Laura Reply:
November 8th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
I prefer dark, glass bottles, but having clear plastic bottles works too. Dark glass works better to keep the sunlight out of the container, helping the vanilla maintain it’s integrity. If you’ve got your vanilla in clear containers, just be sure to store it in a dark place!
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I would like to dilute my vanilla to be comparable to recipe quantities. What do
I use to dilute, water? You said this recipe was concentrated and use only half, so if I
added 50% water to the finished product before
bottling would that be equal to recipe strength?
Does diluting affect the keeping quality?
One more thing…when the vanilla is steeping in the dark, is there a specific temperature requirement? Thank you!!
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Instead of putting all the beans in a gallon jar and soaking the beans, can I put a handful of beans in individual pint jars, fill them with vodka and soak them in there. They will then be ready for gift giving. If so, how many beans do you all suggest to put in each pint jar? Thanks.
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Laura Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Yes, this would work. You’d want 10 beans in each pint jar.
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Hi Laura,
I have a couple of batches of vanilla ready to bottle. I have the bottles and labels made, do I need to go to a FDA regulated kitchen to bottle it, or can I just bottle it in my kitchen? I was wanting to sell them at the craft fairs during the Christmas season, I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
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Laura Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
I think that depends on the regulations at your craft fair, but since we do this on a small scale, we just do this in our own kitchen.
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I would like to dilute my vanilla to be comparable to recipe quantities. What do
I use to dilute, water? You said this recipe was concentrated and use only half, so if I
added 50% water to the finished product before
bottling would that be equal to recipe strength?
Does diluting affect the keeping quality?
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LindseyforLaura@HHM Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
In order to dilute it, just use fewer vanilla beans. It shouldn’t affect the keeping quality. you should be able to keep it at room temp.
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Linda Heitman Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Sorry for being a pest, but how many fewer beans? I just received
my beans yesterday and bought the vodka and some half gallon jars.
Thanks for your help!
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Laura Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
I’d probably go with 50 vanilla beans per gallon of vodka for a diluted version – just a guess though!
How do you transfer the vanilla into the smaller bottles? Do you use a dropper of some kind? I’m at the stage where I need to do this so was curious. Thanks!
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LindseyforLaura@HHM Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
using a funnel would work out well. Or if you want accurate measuring, first pour it into a liquid measuring cup then pour it into a smaller bottle.
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I just came upon your page because I was looking to see if there were any drink recipes for using vanilla in, because I am making my own vanilla, and figured since it was vodka, there might be something interesting to find… but I find that I’m a little confused. I was taught to put 6 vanilla beans in a quart of vodka and it would take about a month, shaking the bottle every day. Now I’m concerned that I didn’t use enough vanilla beans. It has only been about a week and the bottle is already a nice amber color. The recipe I was following also said you could reuse the beans, if you kept about a 1/5 of the extract and poured more vodka in the bottle. Do you know anything about this? What are your thoughts. Maybe I should buy more beans?
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Laura Reply:
November 19th, 2011 at 7:14 am
I’m sure the method you’re using is fine. This method described is a slower method which produces a super strong vanilla. Go ahead with the way you’re doing it, it should be great!
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