If you're venturing into homemade extract making, youβve probably asked: What alcohol percentage is best? Whether you're working with vanilla, citrus peels, or herbs, understanding alcohol-by-volume (ABV) is key to making safe, flavorful, and long-lasting extracts.
π§ Why Alcohol Percentage Matters
Alcohol acts as both a solvent and a preservative. It draws out the flavor compounds from ingredients like vanilla beans, cacao, herbs, and spicesβand keeps your extract shelf-stable. But not all alcohol is created equal.
π Recommended ABV for Extracts
| Ingredient Type | Ideal ABV (Alcohol by Volume) |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Beans | 35β50% (70β100 proof) |
| Fresh Herbs | 50β60% (100β120 proof) |
| Dried Herbs/Roots | 60β70% (120β140 proof) |
| Citrus Peels | 40β50% (80β100 proof) |
| Cacao Nibs | 40% (80 proof) |
π‘ For vanilla extract, the sweet spot is 40% ABV (80 proof) β strong enough to preserve, gentle enough for great flavor infusion.
π§ͺ What if Your Alcohol is Too Strong?
No worries! Many extract makers use high-proof alcohol (like Everclear 151 or 190) and then dilute it with water to reach the optimal ABV.
π Use our Alcohol Dilution Calculator to get exact measurements for safe and effective dilution.
π¦ Choosing the Right Vanilla Bean
Your extract is only as good as your bean! With over 50+ varieties available, Vanillapura offers everything from sweet Madagascar beans to smoky Indonesian and fruity Hawaiian beans.
β‘οΈ Explore all 50+ vanilla bean varieties, cacao, and cinnamon blends
π§ͺ Want to Find Your Perfect Match?
Not sure where to start? Take our quick and fun quiz:
π Vanilla Extract Quiz: What Bean & Spirit Combo Is Right For You?
