Make homemade vanilla extract with vodka and vanilla beans (jar method)
Cut vanilla beans into pieces, cover with 80-proof (or higher) vodka in a jar, then steep in a cool dark place while shaking periodically until richly colored.
Use an 8-oz jar and add about 6 vanilla beans cut into pieces. Cover completely with vodka (80 proof or better), seal tightly, and store in a cool, dark pantry. Shake every few days and let it steep about 6 weeks for a dark, strong extract.
The short version
- Use vodka that is 80 proof or higher.
- Steep in a cool, dark place and shake every few days.
- Expect about a 6-week wait for a dark, strong extract.
What you need
- 8-oz jelly jar / canning jarAny small jar with a tight lid
- Tight-fitting lidStandard canning lid or reusable plastic lid
- KnifeFor cutting beans into pieces
How to do it
- 1
Put about 6 vanilla beans into an 8-oz jar, cutting them into shorter pieces and dropping them into the bottom.
Nothing fancy is required—just cut into pieces so they fit in the jar.
Watch this step - 2
Pour in the cheapest vodka you can find, ensuring it is 80 proof or higher, and fully cover the beans.
Do not use rubbing alcohol; lower than 80 proof is said not to work.
Watch this step - 3
Seal the jar with a tight lid.
A standard canning lid works; reusable plastic jar lids are also mentioned as an option.
Watch this step - 4
Store in a cool, dark pantry and shake well every three days.
Keep it out of light while it steeps.
Watch this step - 5
After about six weeks, use the extract once it has turned rich and dark.
Longer steeping can continue to deepen color and flavor.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Using alcohol below 80 proof
Use vodka that is 80 proof or better.
Using rubbing alcohol
Use drinkable vodka, not rubbing alcohol.
Not storing it in a dark, cool place
Keep the jar in a pantry or other cool, dark location.
Why it works
Alcohol extracts and preserves vanilla flavor compounds; higher proof improves extraction and prevents spoilage.
Put it to use
Learn next
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.
How to make homemade extracts using alcohol (basic method)
Put the flavoring ingredient in a sealable jar, cover completely with pure vodka (alcohol), seal, shake, and let it infuse in a cupboard for several weeks.