If you're venturing into homemade extract making, you’ve 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.
💧 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 spices—and keeps your extract shelf-stable. But not all alcohol is created equal.
📊 Recommended ABV for Extracts
| Ingredient Type | Ideal ABV (Alcohol by Volume) |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Beans | 35–50% (70–100 proof) |
| Fresh Herbs | 50–60% (100–120 proof) |
| Dried Herbs/Roots | 60–70% (120–140 proof) |
| Citrus Peels | 40–50% (80–100 proof) |
| Cacao Nibs | 40% (80 proof) |
💡 For vanilla extract, the sweet spot is 40% ABV (80 proof) — strong enough to preserve, gentle enough for great flavor infusion.
🧪 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.
👉 Use our Alcohol Dilution Calculator to get exact measurements for safe and effective dilution.
🍦 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.
➡️ Explore all 50+ vanilla bean varieties, cacao, and cinnamon blends
🧪 Want to Find Your Perfect Match?
Not sure where to start? Take our quick and fun quiz:
👉 Vanilla Extract Quiz: What Bean & Spirit Combo Is Right For You?
