DIY Vanilla Extract: How to Make the Good Stuff (And Brag About It Later)
So you’re tired of overpriced, tiny bottles of vanilla that taste like disappointment and broken dreams. Good news: homemade vanilla extract is ridiculously easy, way cheaper in the long run, and tastes better the longer it sits.
Honestly, the hardest part is being patient. But we’ll get to that.
What You Need (Spoiler: Not Much)
🛒 Ingredients:
- Vanilla beans – Get the good stuff. Grade B beans are perfect (they’re cheaper and meant for extract).
- Vodka – Plain, unflavored, 80 proof. Doesn’t need to be fancy. No one’s sipping this.
- You can also use bourbon or rum for a richer, deeper vibe.
- Glass jar or bottle – At least 8 oz, dark glass if possible (light = flavor killer).
That’s it. Seriously.
How to Make It: The “I Can’t Believe It’s This Easy” Method
Step 1: Slice the Beans
Take 5–6 vanilla beans and slice them lengthwise to expose all those glorious seeds inside. You can cut them in half if they’re too long for your jar.
You’re not scraping out the seeds—leave ’em in there. They’ll infuse the liquid with all their delicious magic.
Step 2: Add to Jar
Drop the sliced beans into your clean glass jar. They should be fully submerged.
If they float at first, don’t panic. They’ll settle down as they soak up the booze. Like us at brunch.
Step 3: Add Alcohol
Pour vodka (or your spirit of choice) over the beans, filling the jar to the top. Seal it tightly.
Step 4: Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture
Give the jar a good shake. Then pop it in a cool, dark place (pantry, cupboard, sock drawer?) for at least 8 weeks, shaking it every week or so.
Pro tip: The longer it sits, the better it gets. Like wine. Or revenge.
Timeline: What to Expect
| Time Passed | What’s Happening | Can I Use It Yet? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | Smells amazing but still weak | Nope, be patient. |
| 1 month | Starting to look legit | Getting there, but hold off. |
| 2+ months | Dark, fragrant, full-bodied | YASSS, go for it. |
| 6 months+ | Ultra rich and complex | You now have liquid gold. |
Flavor Variations (a.k.a. Choose Your Fighter)
Want to get fancy? Customize your extract with these optional extras:
- Cinnamon sticks – Adds warmth and spice
- Orange zest – Bright and citrusy
- Bourbon instead of vodka – Extra smooth, deep flavor
- Split bean types – Mix Tahitian, Madagascar, and Mexican beans for flavor depth
Go wild. Vanilla extract is surprisingly chill about experimentation.
How Long Does It Last?
Forever.
Okay, maybe not forever-forever, but real vanilla extract can last years if stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place and you’re good.
The flavor just keeps getting better with time. It’s the one relationship in your life that actually improves the longer you ignore it.
Can You Reuse the Beans?
YES. Once your extract is strong enough, you can:
- Top off the jar with more vodka and let it keep going.
- Dry the beans, then grind them with sugar to make homemade vanilla sugar (yes please).
- Toss a used bean in a jar of salt, coffee, or syrup for a subtle vanilla twist.
Don’t you dare throw them out. Those beans are gold.
Why DIY? (Besides Flexing on Instagram)
Let’s be real:
- Store-bought vanilla is $$$
- Homemade tastes better
- It’s fun to make
- You can give it as gifts and pretend you’re a domestic goddess
- Plus, you’ll lowkey feel like a witch brewing a potion—and who doesn’t want that?
Final Stir
So yeah, DIY vanilla extract is one of those zero effort, high reward kitchen projects that makes you feel wildly accomplished without actually doing much.
Make a few bottles now, stash them away, and by the holidays you’ll have:
- Custom gifts ✅
- Fancy flavor ✅
- Bragging rights ✅✅✅
Go forth and infuse, my friend.
