vanilla

Vanilla Extract Recipe

IngredientsVanilla Extract Ingredients (makes 12 (4oz) jars):

18-20 vanilla beans I used Grade B Bourbon
48 oz plain vodka* 80 proof works great

Tools you'll need for Homemade Vanilla Extract:

Small funnel or measuring cup with pouring lip
12 4oz clear bottles with lids (avoid cork lids)
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Kitchen scissors or sharp knife

Instructions

Wash and sanitize bottles and lids: Wash with mild soapy water, rinse, then carefully swirl with boiling hot water to sanitize them.
Cut beans in half then Split beans (it's easiest with kitchen scissors), cutting them about halfway down the stem. If the beans are too dry to split, cut them into 1" pieces. Place a total of 1 1/2 whole beans in each jar (or 3 split halves).
Use a funnel to pour vodka to the top of jar. Cover tightly with lid and let them brew for 2 months, shaking occasionally.

Recipe Notes

It's easy to scale this recipe up or down, the proportions are 3 whole vanilla beans per 1 cup (8 oz) vodka, or 1 1/2 vanilla beans per 1/2 cup (4 oz) vodka.