Make homemade vanilla extract with vodka (alcohol-based)
Split 6–8 vanilla pods, add to a bottle, cover with neutral vodka, then store in a cool dark place and shake every few days for several weeks to 2 months.
The video teaches an alcohol-based extract using a clear, colourless, flavourless spirit (vodka). After combining pods and alcohol, it needs time to infuse; shaking periodically and keeping it away from sunlight improves results.
The short version
- Neutral alcohol prevents competing flavours
- Cool, dark storage and periodic shaking during infusion
What you need
- bottle with lid~350–500 ml capacity
- knifeFor splitting pods
How to do it
- 1
Choose a clear, colourless, flavourless alcohol (e.g., vodka).
Avoid strongly flavoured spirits that will compete with vanilla.
Watch this step - 2
Use a bottle with room for pods (about 350–500 ml capacity).
Leave space so the pods fit comfortably.
Watch this step - 3
- 4
- 5
Store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
Sunlight is said to affect the flavour.
Watch this step - 6
Shake every few days and wait a few weeks up to 2 months before using.
It’s not ready immediately; time is required for infusion.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Using the extract immediately after mixing
Let it infuse for weeks (up to 2 months) before using
Storing it in sunlight
Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard
Why it works
Alcohol extracts flavour compounds from vanilla over time; darkness helps prevent flavour degradation from sunlight.
Put it to use
Learn next
Make oat flour by blending oats
Turn rolled oats into oat flour by blending them until finely ground.
Poke holes and spoon citrus juice onto a warm cake to infuse flavor and moisture
After a short rest, poke holes in the cake and spoon over citrus juice so it soaks through.
How to choose vodka for homemade extracts
Use a mid-range vodka—avoid the cheapest and the most expensive—when making extracts.
How to split a vanilla bean to expose the seeds for extract
Slice a fresh vanilla pod lengthwise to expose the seeds, then cut it in half so it fits in the jar before adding alcohol.