This Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract Recipe is VERY easy and comes together with 2 simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes of hands-on time! It is a great way to save money while creating the best homemade vanilla extract with high quality ingredients! You'll never look at a bottle of vanilla extract from the store the same way again.
If you love baking like I do, you probably spend a decent amount of money on high quality vanilla extract. Learning how to make your own baking vanilla is one of my personal favorite DIYs and I know you'll love it, too!
Jump to:
- Why this recipe works
- Ingredients for making Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- How to make bourbon vanilla extract
- Helpful tools for making homemade vanilla extract
- How to store homemade vanilla extract
- How long does homemade vanilla extract last?
- Recipe
- HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
- HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT LAST?
- TOP TIP
- History lesson: Why is it called Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract?
- Which type of alcohol is best for vanilla extract?
- The grades of vanilla beans
- Top tip
- FAQ
- What are some different varieties of vanilla beans?
- What is the difference between imitation vanilla (store-bought varieties) and this homemade vanilla extract recipe?
- More sweet recipes
- Comments
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Why this recipe works
I make this pure vanilla extract recipe several times throughout the year just for my own personal baking use, but it also makes a great gift for Christmas, housewarming party, white elephant or hostess gift! When I am able to source my own alcohol (hello, top shelf bourbon!) and Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, I know exactly what is in my extract. No synthetics or sneaky ingredients.
Instead of making my own homemade vanilla extract one bottle at a time, I make it in small batches to keep on hand for an easy present. I also use my vanilla pods over and over again! As the vanilla in my bottle begins to dip below the half-way point, I simply top it off with more bourbon and I'm back in business! No more expensive bottles of vanilla from the grocery stores, I'll spend my dollars on something else, thank you very much!
You need about 6 vanilla beans for 8 ounces of extract and that will run you $10-$20, but I just keep using the same vanilla beans to make extract for several years!
Ingredients for making Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- Whole Vanilla Beans | There are several sources for buying vanilla beans online or at the grocery store. I'm using organic Madagascar vanilla beans from Amazon.
- 70 Proof Alcohol | If you are a bourbon connoisseur, I'm sure you have a brand picked out already. For me, I like to use a good quality bourbon with a mellow caramel flavor.
How to make bourbon vanilla extract
- Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla beans lengthwise. I do not cut all the way through, but rather just the top layer and then spread the bean open.
2. Use the back of the knife or a spoon to scrape the vanilla bean seeds out of the pod. Pour the pods and seeds into the bottle using the funnel.
3. Top the bottle off with alcohol, leaving ½ inch of head space. Seal the bottle and let it sit in a dark cupboard for as little as 6 weeks, but 3-6 months is better.
4. Store it in a cool dark place. Once the homemade Madagascar bourbon vanilla is ready, use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract!
Hint: As the bottle begins to empty, top it off again with bourbon to keep make a new batch and keep your vanilla extract continually ready!
Helpful tools for making homemade vanilla extract
It isn't necessary to buy special jars for homemade vanilla bourbon. An airtight glass vessel will work, including a liquor bottle.
I like these swing-top glass bottles from amazon. They are perfect for everything from vanilla to kombucha and even elderberry syrup. Basically anything that is a pourable liquid!
I also don't trust myself to pour without a funnel. Zero pouring skills over here.
How to store homemade vanilla extract
- Store the bottle out of direct sunlight.
- If you don't go through vanilla quickly, choose smaller bottles to minimize the extracts exposure to oxygen.
How long does homemade vanilla extract last?
The vanilla extract takes time to infuse. I treat it like I would a bottle of liquor and keep it in the cupboard away from direct sunlight.
Alcohol has a shelf life of 20+ years, and vanilla extract is the same. It preserves the vanilla beans, so there is no degradation.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. For more delicious recipes from scratch and homesteading tips, follow me on instagram @NinnescahHomestead
Recipe
Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract Recipe
Equipment
- bottle with lid
- funnel
- knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 6-8 vanilla beans
- 8 ounces bourbon
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla beans lengthwise. I do not cut all the way through, but rather just the top layer and then spread the bean open.
- Use the back of the knife or a spoon to scrape the vanilla bean seeds out of the pod. Pour the pods and seeds into the bottle using the funnel.
- Top the bottle off with alcohol, leaving ½ inch of head space. Seal the bottle and let it sit in a dark cupboard for as little as 6 weeks, but 3-6 months is better.
- Store it in a cool dark place. Once the homemade Madagascar bourbon vanilla is ready, use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract!
Video
Notes
HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
- Store the bottle out of direct sunlight.
- If you don't go through vanilla quickly, choose smaller bottles to minimize the extracts exposure to oxygen.
HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT LAST?
The vanilla extract takes time to infuse. I treat it like I would a bottle of liquor and keep it in the cupboard away from direct sunlight. Alcohol has a shelf life of 20+ years, and vanilla extract is the same. It preserves the vanilla beans, so there is no degradation.TOP TIP
I like to start a batch of homemade vanilla in late summer or early fall to give as Christmas gifts! I love using 8 ounce bottles for this.Nutrition
History lesson: Why is it called Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract?
I always thought that Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla was made with Madagascar vanilla beans and high quality bourbon. Makes sense, right? A simple explanation.
Well, it's actually goes even one step further than this
There is an island off Madagascar called Réunion, which used to be named île bourbon. True Madagascar bourbon vanilla is made with vanilla beans from Réunion! Pretty cool, huh?
This got me wondering how important the actual bourbon liquor was to this DIY vanilla extract recipe, so I kept digging. It turns out that any vanilla extract made with Madagascar vanilla beans from Bourbon Island, formerly known as Ile Bourbon, can be considered Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract!
Which type of alcohol is best for vanilla extract?
Maybe you don't actually HAVE to use bourbon for making vanilla extract, but I certainly love to! Just know that any 70 Proof Alcohol will work, including Vodka, Bourbon, Rum, or Brandy. Any of these will make a lovely vanilla extract!
When I am making vanilla that will be used for white frosting or cakes, I use a clear alcohol like vodka or rum. The rum will make the vanilla taste sweeter, while the vodka really lets the true vanilla bean flavor shine. I could use vanilla made with vodka or rum to flavor my Sweet Cream Sugar Cookies or Italian Cream Cake.
For everything else, the rich color and flavor of bourbon is my go-to. It brings a rich caramel taste to the vanilla, and I love to use it in my Bourbon & Dark Chocolate Cookies or Buttermilk Bundt Cake with Bourbon Glaze.
The grades of vanilla beans
The first time I ordered vanilla beans online, I was confused by the different grades. Here's what you need to know!
Vanilla beans are graded based on their appearance, moisture content, and intended use, with Grade A and Grade B being the most common grades available. Grade A vanilla beans, also known as gourmet or prime beans, are prized for their flawless appearance and rich, complex flavors. They are typically longer, plumper, and have a higher moisture content, making them ideal for culinary applications where visual appeal matters, such as in desserts and fine cuisine.
On the other hand, Grade B beans, sometimes referred to as extract-grade beans, may have imperfections in appearance but compensate with a robust and intense vanilla flavor, making them the preferred choice for homemade vanilla extract.
Top tip
I like to start a batch of homemade vanilla in late summer or early fall to give as Christmas gifts! I love using 8 ounce bottles for this.
FAQ
Making vanilla extract at home is the most cost effective way to use high quality Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract. You can select the grade of vanilla beans you want, as well as choose your favorite bourbon, from bargain to top shelf.
You will need 6-8 vanilla beans for 750ml of vodka.
What are some different varieties of vanilla beans?
There are several popular vanilla bean varieties used for making homemade vanilla extract, each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. Additionally, the quality of the fresh beans, as well as the extraction process, also play a crucial role in the quality of your homemade vanilla extract. Here are some of the most well-known vanilla bean varieties:
- Madagascar Vanilla Beans (Vanilla planifolia): Madagascar vanilla beans are known for their rich, creamy, and sweet flavor with hints of caramel. They are typically plump, moist, and have a deep, dark brown to black color. Madagascar vanilla beans are the most common choice for vanilla extract due to their classic, well-rounded flavor. Personally, I think these beans have the best flavor.
- Tahitian Vanilla Beans (Vanilla tahitensis): Tahitian vanilla beans have a unique, floral, and fruity flavor with notes of cherry, anise, and sometimes even chocolate. They are often thinner and shorter than Madagascar beans and have a lighter, reddish-brown to almost black color. Tahitian vanilla beans are favored for recipes where the floral and fruity notes can shine, such as in custards, fruit-based desserts, and ice creams.
- Mexican Vanilla Beans (Vanilla planifolia): Mexican vanilla beans are known for their great flavor that is bold, spicy, and earthy flavor with a hint of smokiness. They are often shorter and plumper than Madagascar beans, and they have a dark brown to black color. Mexican vanilla beans are excellent for adding depth and complexity to chocolate-based desserts and savory dishes.
What is the difference between imitation vanilla (store-bought varieties) and this homemade vanilla extract recipe?
When you're at the grocery store store with a bottle of real vanilla extract in one hand and imitation vanilla in the other, consider the quality and authenticity of flavor you want in your recipes.
Real vanilla extract is made from actual vanilla beans. Imitation vanilla is made from synthetic or chemically derived compounds like vanillin. In many countries, food labeling regulations require products to specify whether they contain real or imitation vanilla. Real vanilla extract is usually labeled as "Pure Vanilla Extract," while imitation vanilla is labeled as "Vanilla Flavoring" or "Artificial Vanilla Extract."
Imitation vanilla, often labeled as "vanilla flavoring" or "vanilla extract," is typically made from synthetic compounds, most commonly vanillin. Vanillin can be derived from various sources, including lignin (found in wood), guaiacol, or other chemicals. It can also be produced from natural sources like ferulic acid found in rice bran.
Imitation vanilla has a simpler and more one-dimensional flavor profile compared to real vanilla extract. It tends to be sweeter and lacks the complexity and depth of true vanilla. Most store-bought vanilla extract falls into this category, including vanilla products like fragrances.
Imitation vanilla is often less expensive due to the lower cost of synthetic production, which can be a huge benefit.
More sweet recipes
Looking for homemade recipes featuring Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract? My mom's homemade cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting is unbelievably easy to make. I also use it in most of my baked goods!
Carrie
I have never thought to make my vanilla with Bourbon! I'm going to try it next! We always use rum or vodka! Thank you for sharing!
Yolanda Jackson
You should use 1 oz.of beans for 8 oz.of alcohol.
Meg
Yes! We are saying the same thing! On average, 6-8 vanilla beans weigh one ounce. I should add that to the recipe to clarify. Thanks for pointing it out!
Elizabeth
Always weight your beans. It's 1 oz of beans to 8 oz alcohol for single fold. 6 months is actually the minimum amount of time for extracting. A lot do people do a year +. The darker your alcohol the longer it takes. Bourbon and the other dark alcohols would actually take 2 years to extract properly. You cannot reuse beans, if you've properly done your extract they are all used up pretty much when they are finished extracting. You can use spent beans to make vanilla sugar or put them in a mother jar. Absolutely do not top off with more alcohol, that just dilutes it. You can always add more beans in which case you need to start the extraction time over. Please join some vanilla making groups if you are looking for help making extract.