How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Published on Monday, February 25, 2008, by CHOW Video Team / Edit Post

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Store-bought vanilla extract is expensive; homemade vanilla extract is easy.

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  • Sorry, but this isn't real vanilla extract. You need at least 8 or so vanilla beans per cup of alcohol to call it vanilla extract. What this video shows is how to make vanilla-flavored rum.

  • Don't even remember where/how I saw the instructions, but I've got my own bottle of extract that I made a long time ago. I put it in an nifty bottle from tequila (bottle has a cork & glass stopper, & it's not dark), then I put a homemade label on it. I'm still using my stash, and it's wonderful stuff. Do take the time to procure your selection of vanilla beans from Pennzy's mail order house. They...+READ

    Don't even remember where/how I saw the instructions, but I've got my own bottle of extract that I made a long time ago. I put it in an nifty bottle from tequila (bottle has a cork & glass stopper, & it's not dark), then I put a homemade label on it. I'm still using my stash, and it's wonderful stuff. Do take the time to procure your selection of vanilla beans from Pennzy's mail order house. They have a selection that's not cheap, but great, Mexican, Madagascar(sp)? The smell is divine. I even own a bottle of cologne that smells like vanilla. I just love the smell of vanilla.-COLLAPSE

  • How about trying about an ounce of beans per cup of vodka, and letting them sit for at least 6 months. Amazing stuff.
    http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Vanilla-Extraction

  • This sounds like a winner! I think I remember reading somewhere that vanilla needed to be stored in a dark bottle. Maybe I am wrong?

  • I made this with cheap Greek Brandy about four years ago and forgot about it. I used it this Christmas and it added a mellow brandyish vanilla flavor to all my cakes etc. I have to say it also made a great after dinner liquer as well!

  • Do not use Captain Morgan for this! It's spiced. Do you want vanilla extract, or Captain Morgan spices with vanilla? Use a high quality white rum. Or vodka if you want neutral. But I personally like a little bit of rum flavor with my vanilla.

  • I did this with vodka and the results are great. I did split the beans first. The longer it sits the better.

  • If you use rum, your vanilla extract will taste like rum. Use vodka if you want it to taste of vanilla.

  • you'd get faster extraction if you cut the beans into small pieces before adding them.

  • Wow! Who knew??? How exciting. Thanks!