Homemade Vanilla Extract is my most favorite gift to make for the holidays. It’s super easy, requires only two ingredients and is always well received by everyone. Plus you can dress it up any way you like with pretty ribbon and accessories! Let me show you how easy it is to make!
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
This isn’t a new or revolutionary idea by any means. Homemade Vanilla recipes have been around for quite a while, and they’re all pretty much the same. What makes each one unique, however, is the type of vanilla bean you use. And of course this pretty label that you won’t find anywhere else.
I love the idea of giving homemade gifts for Christmas, and this is such an easy one to make!
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WHY MAKE HOMEMADE VANILLA?
If you haven’t noticed, the price of vanilla extract, like everything else right now, has gone up. You could easily spend $10-$20 for a good bottle in the store. By the time you buy all your supplies, you can be making 5-10 bottles for not that much more. You can also control the strength of your vanilla when you make it yourself. The stronger you make it, the more flavorful your recipes will be!
Another great thing about making homemade vanilla is that since you keep the beans in the bottle, you can keep adding more alcohol as you use it. The vanilla flavor will keep being released for many months so rest assured your bottle will last you much longer than a store bought one.
Ingredients for Homemade Vanilla
Vodka (any vodka will do, but I wouldn’t recommend the super cheap stuff)
Vanilla Beans(5-6 per 8 oz. bottle)
Supplies for Homemade Vanilla
Bottles
Funnel
Sharp Knife
One thing to remember about making pure homemade vanilla extract, is that it takes time for the vodka to be fully infused before it’s ready to use. The recommended time is 2 months, but after a month, you can open your bottles and see how strong they smell. If you plan on making these as gifts, just make sure you let your friends and family know when you bottled them, and when the vanilla will be ready.
There are so many different types of beans you can use. I went with these Tahitian Vanilla Beans, and they smell SO good.
You want to make sure that your vanilla beans are Grade B which are meant for extracting and produce the most flavor. Grade A beans are best for cooking with. Grade B are also usually cheaper which is a plus!
STEP 1
Cut your vanilla beans in half length wise. I found it easiest to cut the actual bean in half first, and then slice them down the middle. Make sure you have a good, sharp knife; it will make this step much easier. And watch your fingers!
STEP 2
Place the beans in your bottle once they’re cut and fill up each bottle with vodka. Place the top back on and then shake lightly.
STEP 3
Apply your label! You can either print them out on cardstock and attach them with some super glue or you can get them printed online as a sticker label.
Below are the PDFs that you can print out yourself at home or upload online to order stickers. I’ve included 8 oz. and 4 oz. options!
PRINT 8 oz. VANILLA EXTRACT LABELS HERE
PRINT 4 OZ. VANILLA EXTRACT LABELS HERE
If you want to print them on Avery like I did you can print the single labels below. Follow THIS LINK and under size you can enter 3″ high x 1.5″ wide for 8 oz. and 2.25″ high x 2″ wide. Then choose the Kraft Brown Paper option. Click “start designing” and then upload the PDF below!
SINGLE 8 OZ. VANILLA LABEL
SINGLE 4 OZ. VANILLA LABEL
I finished my homemade vanilla off with a little sprig of a dried flower and this beautiful khaki velvet ribbon! The customization options are endless and the personal touches you add make it even more unique and special!
I look forward to giving away my homemade vanilla extract every year! Nothing beats a handmade gift and these are sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives it!
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Tags: diy christmas gift, diy gift, free printable label, gourmet food label, handmade gift, handmade holiday gift, homemade christmas gift, homemade gift, homemade holiday gift, homemade vanilla, homemade vanilla extract, how to make vanilla extract, printable vanilla label, vanilla, vanilla extract
FAQs
The standard for pure vanilla extract is 1 oz. of vanilla beans (by weight) per 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) of alcohol.
What is the best alcohol to make vanilla extract? ›
The FDA dictates that a pure vanilla extract needs to be at least 70 proof or 35% alcohol, and this makes Vodka an ideal choice for vanilla extraction.
What are the rules for making vanilla extract? ›
It must be at or above 35% ABV. This means that at minimum you should be looking at 70 proof spirits to ensure you're getting the best results. Vanilla Extract Calculator: Pure Vanilla Extract needs to be made using (at a minimum) 13.35 oz / gallon (100g / liter) of real vanilla beans, at a moisture content of 25%.
What are the best vanilla beans for making extract? ›
For classic vanilla flavor, stick strictly with Madagascar vanilla or Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans. If you have the choice between “Grade A” or “Grade B”, stick to the Grade B because they're cheaper (if not as pretty) and they work just as well for making extract.
How many vanilla beans does it take to make a gallon of vanilla extract? ›
FDA standards call for at least 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon of liquid. This equates to approximately . 9 oz of beans per 8 ounces of alcohol! Many people really like to use rum, bourbon, or brandy.
Why does my homemade vanilla extract still taste like vodka? ›
Answer #2: Alcohol is normal. Remember that all "Pure" extracts are required to have a minimum 35% alcohol content, which is just as much alcohol that is in hard liquor. Alcohol is needed for extraction.
Should I use vodka or Everclear for vanilla extract? ›
Vodka is the preferred alcohol for extractions like this, as its flavor is neutral and does not compete with that of the vanilla beans.
How many vanilla beans for 8 oz vodka? ›
For best flavor you'll want 4-5 vanilla beans for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of vodka. The quality of the vanilla beans is more important than the quality of the alcohol, so you don't need to buy an expensive bottle. Alcohol: 80 proof Vodka, (or brandy, rum, or bourbon, if preferred, for different flavor).
How dark should homemade vanilla extract be? ›
The liquid should be dark golden or brown. The darker the color, the stronger the vanilla flavor. If you've left the vanilla seeds in the bean, there should be lots of little flecks that have settled to the bottom of the jar. When you shake it, the extract should look almost opaque.
Can bacteria grow in homemade vanilla extract? ›
Some people suggest sterilising the jar first but bacteria cannot grow in 40% alcohol so I didn't bother with this step. And because of the alcohol it will last for years. Give it a quick shake, then store in a dark place like the pantry for about 2 months. Keeping it out of the light helps keep the nutritional value.
A bit of simple math reveals that homemade vanilla extract is the more economical choice. Say you buy two 4-ounce bottles of the good vanilla extract from the grocery store every year. If each jar costs $18, that's $180 over a five-year span.
How long should homemade vanilla extract sit? ›
You only need 2 ingredients for homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka. Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using. Homemade vanilla is more cost efficient than store-bought options.
What grade of vanilla bean is best for vanilla extract? ›
Grade B vanilla beans, on the other hand, are considered 'extract-grade beans', and they are primarily used in making vanilla extract. They are also used in baking and cooking, but they are not recommended for high-end desserts or dishes where the vanilla flavor and appearance are the main focus.
Should I use Grade A or B vanilla beans for extract? ›
Grade B Vanilla Pods have a lower moisture content. They are best for infusing into alcoholic or creamy bases (such as crème anglaise) or for making Vanilla extract. The flavour of Grade B Vanilla is deep but lighter than Grade A.
Can you use Grade A vanilla beans to make vanilla extract? ›
With grade-A vanilla beans you can make still make very sweet vanilla extract, and much, much more. Grade-A beans (often called "gourmet vanilla beans") are visually a more beautiful bean. They are plump, pliable and full of fresh vanilla bean caviar. Their color is dark and chocolate-like, sometimes with hints of red.
What is the ratio of vanilla to alcohol? ›
Whichever spirit you choose, use approximately 8 ounces of alcohol (at least 70-proof) per 4–6 vanilla beans (the same standards issued by the FDA). Just a couple of beans hanging out, sipping some vodka. Secure the jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
How many vanilla beans to make 16 oz extract? ›
Just remember this ratio: 6 vanilla beans per 8 ounces of alcohol. So if your jar is 12 ounces, use 9 vanilla beans. If it's 16 ounces, use 12 beans.
What percent alcohol do you need to make vanilla? ›
By FDA standards, pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35 percent alcohol, the same proof as Captain Morgan rum. You can't buy it in liquor stores, but it's sold in grocery stores and for many, it is a household staple.
How much does 1 vanilla bean equal to vanilla extract? ›
As far as substitutions go, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is equal to one 2-inch piece of vanilla bean, so 1 typical vanilla bean will equal 3 teaspoons extract. As for vanilla paste, there are usually directions on each jar indicating proper equivalencies, so consult that first as the concentrations can differ.
