We find that bourbon makes lovely vanilla extract that offers a little extra something to recipes. Bourbon Vanilla Extract is a personal favorite, because bourbon has a rich caramel essence on its own. Therefore when infused with vanilla beans it offers a luxurious well-rounded flavor. For this recipe, we will be using our Grade-A Madagascar Vanilla Beans. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
Ingredients:
- 1oz VanillaPura Grade-A Madagascar Vanilla Beans
- 1 cup 80 proof Bourbon
- For "single-fold" vanilla extract (this is the extract you find in most stores) Use 1oz ounces (or 28 grams) of vanilla beans per 1 cup of Bourbon
- For "double-fold" vanilla extract (much stronger flavor preferred by most professional bakers) Use 2 ounces (or 56 grams) of vanilla beans per 1 cup of Bourbon
Instructions:
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Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise with scissors or a knife. Leave a bit intact at the end if desired. Cut the beans down to fit the height of your jar if necessary.
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Put the beans in an 8-ounce jar. Cover with Bourbon. Screw the lid on and give it a good shake.
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Place in a cool, dark place. The longer the vanilla sits, the stronger the flavor will be. While it's sitting, give the jar a shake every week, or as often as you can remember.
Note:
One of the most important factors that determines the quality of the outcome is how long you allow the vanilla extract to age. BE PATIENT. While you "can" use it in as little as 8 weeks the flavor becomes vastly superior the longer it ages. For better results wait 6 months, for best results wait a year. You can always refer to our page on, "How to Know My Extract is Ready," for fun ways to make sure you have the best extract possible!
Comments
Hi JA! Extracts like this one are good for at least a few years if stored in a cool dark place; that’s if it lasts that long before you use it all up!
How long does it last once its cured?
Hi Grace!
There are so many great Bourbons out there to extract with and we’ve experimented with a fair few!
We’ve compiled our personal favorites in our ‘Top 10 Best Bourbons for Extract Making’ which can be found by copying and pasting the following link into your browser:
https://www.vanillapura.com/pages/top-10-bourbons-for-extract-making
The best brand of bourbon to use would be …. What made you top of list?
I have a question I’m just a newbie and trying to learn about making my own vanilla extract. I’m a member of the FB vanillapura . Since I have problems understanding some things please be patient with me. I’m not dumb Im just a breast cancer survivor, that the chemo took some of my good brain cells and affected my brain.and I never recovered . So now that you know alittle about me let me explain my confusion. I understand the formala – 1 oz vanilla beans to 1 cup ( 8 ounces ) vodka or bourbon. .My Question is if I like to make a larger bulk of vanilla extract .For example ; use 12 cups vodka and 12 – 1oz vanilla beans for a single fold or user 24 for a double fold
so I don’t have make a lot of individual 8 oz bottles of vanilla extract Or do I have to make them individually and Add
the 1 oz vanilla beans to 1 cup vodka ( single fold ) to each bottles . I hope I make sense .
Can you make in a bulk batch? For instance…
12 cups Bourbon
24 vanilla beans
Soak for year, then package in bottles?
I have 100 proof right and the recipe calls for 80 proof. Can I cut it to make it 80 proof? I don’t want to buy another pint of Burton.
What brand of bourbon do you recommend ?
Respectfully Marianne , it is one ounce vanilla beans to 8 ounces of alcohol. They are correct 🙂
I think you meant to out 0.8 ounces of Vanilla beans for single fold extract. Otherwise, you are putting half a pound of beans per cup of bourbon… And it would be 5 times stronger than the double fold extract.