Whether you’re looking for a great, meaningful homemade gift, or looking to get started making your own pantry staples from scratch, this homemade vanilla recipe is for you! With only 2 ingredients, good quality vanilla is easy to make and oh so delicious. 

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I first heard about this idea when a friend gifted me a bottle of homemade vanilla for Christmas one year. I thought it was so meaningful that she took the time to put this together for me. I was also shocked to hear that it was as easy as mixing two simple ingredients together. Needless to say I have used that sweet gift ever since. I have replaced the liquid and vanilla beans several times over and, every time I use it, I think of her. 

This recipe is totally adaptable to your lifestyle. I personally use organic, good quality vanilla beans and whatever kind of vodka I can find at my local liquor store. I have seen online however that any sort of alcohol will work; meaning that you could replace the vodka with rum, tequila, or anything else that’s got a high alcohol content. 

The main ingredient that you need besides beans and alcohol is time. This recipe takes some time to develop, so order your vanilla beans and jars today. Then, it will be ready when you run out of your store bought extract. 

Ingredients 

Vanilla beans 

Unless you’re using these vanilla beans for a vanilla bean ice cream or something that requires vanilla paste, this is a one-time purchase. I would recommend using more high quality vanilla beans. They will yield a nicer vanilla extract and also serve you well for years to come. 

Vodka 

I just pick up whatever the cashier says to buy when I go into the store, and am not particular about the brand or quality that I buy. I only use this for vanilla extract, so it is something I only buy once a year, if that often. There are some alcohol-free varieties sold on Amazon, but your local liquor store would probably be your best bet. 

Swing-top bottles

This is the only other element needed to make vanilla extract, and Amazon is a great place to buy them. Because I was gifted my first and only bottle from a friend I’ve not ever purchased one for myself, but these bottles are a great option. You just want a container that is large enough to completely cover your vanilla beans. Using a quart mason jar is also a option that I have seen work nicely. 

Steps 

1. Place your vanilla beans in your jar. I usually place 8-10 vanilla beans at a time in my jar. 
2. Cover completely beans with vodka. 
3. Store in a dark room for at least a month before using. 

Variations & Storage

Like I said earlier, this recipe can be made with any sort of liquid that has a high alcohol content (like rum). 

Store this container in a dark place, like the back of your cabinet. This allows your vanilla beans to slowly release their flavor into the alcohol without being exposed to too much sun. 

The best part of this recipe is that when you need more vanilla, all you have to do is pour a little more vodka in your container! I usually do this as I am baking it, and if you replace the liquid as you use it, you’ll never need to have that month-long waiting period like you did in the beginning.