If you don't have enough vanilla extract in your kitchen, you can make your own at home instead of buying expensive bottled vanilla extract at the supermarket. The delicious vanilla extract comes from the rich flavor of the vanilla bean. Learn how to choose good vanilla beans and extract them in two ways: with vodka and other alcoholic solvents.
Ingredients
Vanilla Extract Made with Vodka
- 2 vanilla beans
- 200ml vodka
Vanilla Extract Made with Other Alcohol Solvents
- 4 vanilla beans
- 1 L vodka, brandy or rum
Step
Method 1 of 3: Picking Vanilla Seeds
Step 1. Research a number of vanilla bean varieties
Vanilla beans are produced in many different countries, and there are several dozen varieties to choose from. Each vanilla variety has a different flavor profile.
- Bourbon vanilla has a fruity taste, with hints of figs and persimmons.
- Madagascar vanilla has a strong taste with a hint of tobacco. This type of vanilla has a higher vanilla content than other vanilla beans, making it an option for its taste.
- Mexican vanilla beans are soft and creamy.
- Tahitian vanilla beans have a floral scent.
- Indian vanilla beans are dark and oily with hints of cinnamon and other spices.
Step 2. Buy vanilla beans
Purchase whole vanilla beans from a grocery store. You can also order them online if you want more options.
- The vanilla beans you buy should be dark and damp with oil. The texture should feel solid when you press it with your fingers, and it should give off a strong vanilla scent.
- Do not use vanilla beans that are bright, dry or crumbly. If you're not sure which vanilla bean you can use, grasp it with your finger. If it bends easily but doesn't break, then use it. If your vanilla bean is broken, then don't use it to make an extract.
Method 2 of 3: Making Vanilla Extract with Vodka
Step 1. Slice the vanilla beans
Make straight slices on the cutting board. Place the sharp end of a knife on the tip of the vanilla bean. Place the blade into the center of the vanilla bean so that it runs parallel to the vanilla. Press to slice and open the vanilla bean. Repeat for the other vanilla bean.
- Some people skip this step. Slicing the vanilla beans will give off a stronger flavor, but in small black beans or caviar, this can give a cloudy appearance.
- If you want to make sure your extract tastes great but don't want to mess up how it looks on the caviar, slice off the ends of the seeds and don't split them in half.
Step 2. Place the seeds in a bottle of vodka
Place it directly into the bottle and close the bottle tightly. Shake the bottle so that the contents are evenly distributed.
Step 3. Allow the vodka to absorb the vanilla content
Place the bottle in a cool, dark place and allow the vanilla to soak into the vodka for two months. You will notice the color change in the vodka to golden brown.
- Do not store vanilla in a warm and bright place, as the contents may spoil.
- Shake the bottle every now and then to evenly distribute the contents.
Step 4. Transfer the vanilla to a dark bottle
Place the sieve over the bowl and pour the vanilla extract through it, so that the seeds are stuck in the sieve. Use a funnel to transfer the vanilla extract into a dark bottle, which will protect it from the sun so it can be stored for years.
- If you prefer not to transfer the liquid, you can leave it in the vodka bottle, as long as you store it in a cool, dark place.
- If your extract doesn't have a strong enough flavor, leave it in a vodka bottle and add a few more vanilla beans. Leave it for a few more months before you use it.
Method 3 of 3: Making Vanilla Extract Using Other Alcoholic Solvents
Step 1. Slice the vanilla beans open
Place the knife parallel to the vanilla bean and press it open, then repeat with the other vanilla bean. If you don't want to split the vanilla beans in half, you can leave them whole or just trim the ends.
Step 2. Place the vanilla beans in the alcohol bowl
Whether you're using brandy, bourbon, tequila or another type of alcoholic beverage, place the vanilla beans straight into the container and seal it tightly. Shake to mix well.
Step 3. Shake the bottle
Since strong-tasting alcoholic beverages will take longer to attract the subtle vanilla flavor, the bottle you use should be shaken so that the vanilla is evenly distributed. For one week after putting the vanilla in the container, shake it a few times a day. In the second week, shake once a day.
Step 4. Save the vanilla extract
Vanilla extract made with an alcoholic solvent other than vodka will take longer to absorb. Store in a cool and dry place for at least three months.
Step 5. Determine if your extract is ready
Open your bottle and smell the aroma, then taste the taste. If your extract already has a strong vanilla flavor, then this extract is ready to use. If you can only taste the drink, then close the lid and allow the vanilla to reabsorb for a few weeks before using it.
Tips
- Homemade vanilla extract will make a unique gift for your friends or family. Strain into a dark bottle and mark with a "vanilla" label on the front.
- Homemade vanilla extract can be stored for several years in alcohol. But if you use it often, you should make a new extract as soon as your old vanilla extract starts to run out.
