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Flat lay composition with vanilla extract on black table

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Gently heat vodka or rum, pour over sliced vanilla beans in a jar, let it cool, then seal and store in a dark place—shake every few days to infuse. Once infused, bottle the vanilla in dark glass containers to protect its flavor.
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Equipment

  • Sterile Jar (at least quart size) with a cover
  • Small jars for your final product (especially if you plan to gift the vanilla)

Ingredients
  

  • 750 ml Vodka or Rum (+ 1 tbsp to coat the berries)
  • 1-2 ounce Vanilla Beans

Instructions
 

  • Gently heat the vodka (or rum) on the stove.  The warm liquid helps the vanilla bean “open up,” creating a deeper flavor.  
  • Pour the alcohol into a pot with the heat set on low. Heat it until it begins to steam and bubbles are on the bottom of the pan.
  • While this is happening, put your vanilla beans in your sterile jar.
  • If you are using vanilla bean bits, you will put these in the jar and pour your alcohol over them.  However, if you are using whole beans or if your bits are bigger, you will want to slice them lengthwise in smaller pieces to expose all of the yummy vanilla insides of the bean. This will help to infuse the liquid more fully.
  • After you have heated your alcohol, pour it over the beans.  Use a canning funnel for a smoother pour.
  • Place the lid on the jar without sealing it and let the mixture cool on the counter.  If you screw the lid on tight while the alcohol is hot, you risk the chance of the jar self-sealing.
  • Once the mixture is cool, twist the lid tight and place it in a cool, dark space like a cabinet or pantry.  Every couple of days, take it out and give it a gentle shake.
  • You must let the mixture infuse for at least 12 weeks, but the longer, the better. If the alcohol smell is still stronger than the vanilla, then you will need to let it infuse for another week or two.
  • After infusing, you will want to bottle the homemade vanilla. It's important to use dark bottles that protect from UV rays and light degradation.   

Notes

Vanilla beans can be re-used for extract until you think they’ve lost their potency. At that point, you can add them to some sugar or salt to create vanilla sugar/salt.  
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