Vanilla Extract

Making vanilla extract is a fun, easy way to bring a favourite recipe to the next level. Homemade Vanilla Extract is prized for its rich, complex flavour and incredibly smooth aroma. Once you make your own homemade vanilla extract, there’s just no going back to the store-bought version. There simply is no substitute. This super-easy to follow homemade vanilla extract recipe that only needs three simple ingredients: vanilla bean pods, white rum (or vodka, bourbon, or brandy - 70 Proof/35% Alcohol), and time.

What is also exciting about making your own, is that you can experiment with a variety of vanilla beans from different parts of the world: Mexico, Madagascar, Tahiti. As a bonus, you can refill real vanilla extract with more vodka as it runs out so it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Flavour profiles of different vanilla’s:

Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla – what most people associate with vanilla flavor. 

Tahitian Vanilla – floral aroma with cherry-like, licorice and caramel flavor tones.

Mexican Vanilla – both sweet and woody flavor tones with spicy hints of cloves and nutmeg.

Ingredients:

8 oz. Glass Bottle or Jar

7 Vanilla Beans

1 cup white rum 

Directions: 

Step 1: Slice each bean once long-ways and place in a bottle. Cut them in half crosswise if they are too long for the bottle to be submerged by liquid. 

Step 2: Pour one cup of rum or alcohol of your choice. Make sure vanilla beans are completely submerged.

Step 3: Shake once or twice a week - for best results, turn on some Paco Peña flamenco guitar music before you begin and shake to the beat of the castanets. 

Step 4: Wait about 6 - 8 weeks (meanwhile research recipes and ways to utilize your final lovely homemade product!). And ... your alcohol has turned into delicious vanilla! 

Store it at room temp and out of direct sunlight and enjoy it to the last drop!