How to Make Homemade Vanilla

One of my closest friends gives me homemade vanilla every holiday season. Every time I go to use the vanilla in a recipe I think of her which makes this the perfect gift for the holidays! It’s also incredibly easy to make, you only need 5 minutes and 2 ingredients.

Homemade Vanilla Ingredients:

4-5 Whole vanilla beans
- There are three types of vanilla beans; Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican. You can use any one of these, Grade B beans are recommended for making extract (they are also more cost effective).
6 oz. Vodka
6 oz. Clear glass bottle
- These 6 oz. glass bottles are beautiful for gifting
- These 6 oz. glass bottles are nice too
- You can also use amber colored bottles if you would like

Step One: Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise with a knife or with scissors. Cut the beans in half if necessary so they fit inside your jar.

Step Two: Put the vanilla beans in your 6 oz. glass jar and fill the jar with vodka and put the top on. Give the jar a shake and place it in a cool dark place.

Step Three: Let sit for 6-8 weeks before using – you can gift this in the meantime and make a note of when the vanilla will be ready to use. The longer the vanilla sits the more flavorful it will become.

Enjoy!