If you’ve ever wondered how to make your own pure vanilla extract at home, you're not alone. Vanilla extract lovers everywhere are discovering how easy, rewarding, and flavorful it can be to create their ownβ€”customized to their taste and made with premium ingredients. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make high-quality extract at home.


🧁 Why Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?

Making your own vanilla extract gives you full control over the ingredients, strength, and flavor. It’s cost-effective, alcohol-free (if desired), and makes a thoughtful, homemade gift. Plus, you can experiment with vanilla beans from different regionsβ€”each with its own unique flavor profile.


πŸ§‚ Ingredients & Supplies You’ll Need

  • Vanilla Beans: You’ll need 1 oz of beans per 8 oz of alcohol
    πŸ›’ Choose from VanillaPura’s 50+ varieties of vanilla beans
  • Alcohol: 35–40% ABV (Vodka is most common, but rum, bourbon, or brandy work too)
  • Glass Bottles or Jars: Amber or clear glass preferred
  • Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors
  • Funnel (optional)

πŸ§‘πŸ³ Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Vanilla Beans
The flavor of your extract depends heavily on the origin of the beans.

  • Madagascar: Classic, rich, creamy
  • Mexican: Bold and smoky
  • Tahitian: Floral and fruity
  • Ugandan: Deep and chocolatey

Step 2: Split the Beans
Using a knife, split the beans lengthwise to expose the seeds. You don’t need to scrape themβ€”just split them open.

Step 3: Add to Jar
Place the beans in your glass jar. You can cut them to fit if needed.

Step 4: Add Alcohol
Pour your alcohol of choice over the beans. Make sure they’re fully submerged. Seal tightly.

Step 5: Store & Shake
Store in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar once a week if desired, but it isn't necessary..
Let it extract for at least 12 months, but you can start taste testing in 12 weeks. In our experience, 12 months is best for full flavor development in light spirits like vodka. 18 months or even 2 years can be required sometimes for darker spirits like whiskey, dark rum, cognac or bourbon.Β 


🍹 Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract?

Yes, you can use food-grade glycerin as an alternative. It takes up to six months and may only have a shelf life of 1-2 years, but it’s a great alcohol-free option.


πŸ§ͺ Pro Tips

  • Use dark glass bottles to protect from light. Or store your clear bottles away from sunlight. Amber or clear bottles should be stored in a cool/dark place.Β 
  • Label the jar with the start date and type of beans used.
  • Need help choosing the right beans? Take the Vanilla Extract Quiz to find your perfect match.

🎁 Homemade Vanilla Extract Makes the Perfect Gift

Custom extracts are a beautiful gift for bakers, mixologists, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted flavors. Bottle it in a swing-top glass bottle with a handmade label, and you’ve got the perfect DIY present.


πŸ›οΈ Ready to Try It Yourself?

Explore our 50+ varieties of vanilla beans and start your extract journey today.
Use code NEWBLOG15CZ7 for 15% off any vanilla beans in this collection:

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