Homemade Vanilla Extract 3 Ways

[ssandy_561]

Inspired by SheilaAnn post about using rum to make vanilla extract I decided to make some vanilla extract for myself.

I purchased a 25 pack of vanilla bean pods off of Amazon. Also got some 5 oz. glass jars from Amazon.

I chose to use Tito’s Vodka, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Bacardí white Rum.



I cut each bean pod in half then split each piece down the middle and opened them up. The smell was amazing.



I put two whole beans pods into each jar.



Then it was time to fill up the jar.



Capped them up tightly and gently shook each jar 3 times.



Now the waiting game begins. They say after 3 months it is OK to use. They say after 6 months it’s incredible. And after a year OMFG!

I’ll try to remember to update this thread every 3 months to let everyone know the progress.


8-10-2023

[WayneT]

Oooooooh, that’s gonna be a great experiment. Can’t wait to hear your results.

[STEbbq]

Amanda does this with a 1.75L bottle and vodka. The results are amazing and save us a fortune apparently.

[mrteddyprincess]

Great idea! Looking forward to the reports!

Brian

[jhapka]

6 months in vodka here. Looking forward to hearing how the rum and bourbon turn out.

[pasmom]

Where does the vanilla need to be stored? Just ordered some vanilla beans.

[ssandy_561]

pasmom the vanilla can just be stored in a pantry. It does not need refrigerated. I read that after 3 months you have usable vanilla but the longer it goes the stronger and better it gets. I read the first week you should gently mix the vanilla daily. Then once a week for three more weeks then once a month after that.

[jhapka]

pasmom store the beans in the vodka and it should be ok at 3 months I’m targeting a year for max potency

[jfmorris]

This is an interesting experiment! I'll have to get some vanilla beans myself and try this. If I can ever go through the half gallon of vanilla already in my pantry...

[ssandy_561]

jfmorris I’m most excited about the bourbon batch. Can’t wait to use this to make some vanilla cream for my coffee and to use in chocolate chip cookies.

[barelfly]

I love these kind of posts! How cool is this! Looking forward to hearing how this turns our for those that are doing this.

Thanks for sharing!

[J-Melt]

I’ve been doing this with mason jars and Costco vodka for about 3 years now. Just started my next batch a couple nights ago. I recommend it to anyone who wants to save on vanilla! Best thing is you can keep adding vodka to it and it just keeps making more. My older batch was started in October of 2021 and is finally on its last batch.

I’m excited to see how the it comes out with the three different types of alcohol!

[Draznnl]

Way to sacrifice for the cause of science. I can’t wait to read your results. Let me know if you find yourself overwhelmed with vanilla extract. I’ll be willing to send you my address.

[Purc]

Interesting experiment with different liquors used. What do you use all of that vanilla extract for?

[ssandy_561]

We like French Toast and use it in that a lot. I like to put vanilla in my cream for my coffee at times. I think the Bourbon one will be my choice for this. I like making apple crisp in the fall and I make an apple cider glaze to go over it using vanilla. I make home made caramel from time to time and the rum one should be perfect for this. I’ll probably give away a few bottles this winter for Christmas gifts also.

[Argoboy]

After reading this post I was interested so I purchased two vanilla beans and a small bottle of vodka today and my batch has been made. I bought a small 200 ml bottle of vodka, I have almost $20.00 invested now.

[ssandy_561]

Not sure how large your beans were but they suggest 1 oz. of vanilla beans for 8 oz. of alcohol. My package of 25 vanilla beans was .22 kilograms which is about 7.75 oz. Each one of my beans averaged .3 ounces. I did the math and 2 beans should make about 4.75 oz. of vanilla extract.

[Argoboy]

I did not weight them and the package does not mention the weight, I cut the beans in half and slit them, 200 ml is 6.7 Oz. I may buy another package of beans? Thanks for the information.

[Oak Smoke]

I have to try this in a few bottles. I’ll more than likely use vodka and rum. I’m going to add a couple of drops of un-sulfured molasses to a bottle to see if I can’t get a bit of complexity that way.

[ssandy_561]

Just make sure you use enough vanilla beans for the amount of alcohol you use. The recommended amount is 6 to 8 whole beans (1 ounce) per 8 oz. of liquid.

[Oak Smoke]

ssandy_561 Thank you!

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

So decided I'm gonna play too... but I'm gonna smoke mine and likely use vodka so I can see if the smoke does or doesn't work (found random stuff online but as per usual I'm just gonna use bits and pieces of info vice an straight up "recipe")

[ssandy_561]

Just be careful with the heat. The last thing you would want to do is dry out the vanilla bean.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

ssandy_561 good thing I have a handy dandy cold smoking box on my MAK or I'd have to wait until winter to try

[CRO]

https://www.seriouseats.com/diy-vanilla-extract

[SheilaAnn]

Ah yes, I remember this article. But I wanted to try my own anyways.

[ssandy_561]

Here is a one week update. They have gotten some color and they smell delicious.



They are now sealed and ready for gift giving.



I guess I’ll need to make another batch.

[SheilaAnn]

They only steeped one week?

Oh wait…. When you said “gift” do you mean December? If so, ignore what I said above 🤣🤣

[ssandy_561]

SheilaAnn Yes Christmas Gifts