Learning how to make vanilla extract is SUPER easy. There’s hardly anything to learn at all! My easy 2-ingredient DIY vanilla extract makes a gourmet pantry staple that’s way better than anything you can buy at the store.
It only requires 2 ingredients: vanilla beans and alcohol (whiskey, vodka, or bourbon will do). You will also need an empty glass jar to make the extract in and a container to store the finished product in.
Place your vanilla beans in an upcycled empty glass jar. Fully submerge them in the alcohol of your choice. I recommend vodka, but also love a good bourbon! I like to start mine in the summer for holiday gifting.
Place the bottle in a cabinet for 4-5 months, but you can leave it longer. The longer it sits, the stronger it will be. It will take several months for the alcohol to extract the flavor from the beans.
Strain the beans from the extract. Compost or reuse the vanilla beans for another batch. You can reuse the vanilla bean multiple times. Place your extract in your container of choice. Enjoy!
If you make homemade vanilla extract correctly, it should maintain its quality for 5-10 years, depending on storage conditions.