Vanilla extract is one of the easiest things to DIY! There are seriously like 2 steps. The hardest part is waiting a couple of months for it to be ready. Now that I make it myself, I won’t go back to buying it. Here’s how you make it AND…I have the labels for you to download for free!!
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What You Need
Whole Vanilla Beans
I prefer organic, grade A Madagascar beans. Good vanilla beans aren’t cheap, but neither is good-quality vanilla extract. HERE are some I’ve ordered.
Bottles
I have THESE 8 oz bottles
Vodka or Bourbon (or Both!)
Most vanilla extract is made with vodka, but bourbon makes a really yummy, rich vanilla! I’ve made both, and I love it most made with bourbon. No need to waste money on good stuff! Just buy the cheapest vodka or bourbon you find. It’s fun to make both and then see which you prefer!
Instructions
Slice vanilla beans length-wise with a sharp knife. (From one end all the way to the other.) You want the good stuff on the inside to be able to infuse flavor into the booze.
Add 5-6 sliced vanilla beans to each bottle. Then fill with vodka or bourbon and seal the top.
That’s it! Then comes the hard part – waiting until it’s ready! Let the bottles sit so the vanilla can infuse for 2 – 6 months, depending on how strong you want the vanilla flavor. I typically use mine after about 3 months and they’re great.
These are such cute and easy gifts too! Holidays, teachers, hostess gift, all those people you need a little something cute for. They are great to make up ahead of time and have on hand when you need something for someone. I just grabbed THESE 2 ounce bottles. They’ll be perfect for gifting, they even have tags and twine!
Free Label Download
I created labels for mine and have them for you to download so you can print at home! You can print on any paper, but I use waterproof full-sheet sticker paper and then cut them out. Waterproof paper isn’t cheap, but it allows me to reuse the bottles over and over. And I use it now for lots of DIY labels! HERE is the paper I use. Just download and save these labels, then print as many as you want!
Easy peasy! I would love to hear how yours turns out and if you like it better made with vodka or bourbon. ENJOY!
XO, Kelli
