I like the scent of natural vanilla. It can be utilized in so many recipes and is ideal in my superfood coffee. I even use it in DIY skincare recipes like this sugar cookie lip scrub.

Unfortunately, store-bought “real vanilla” extract usually has corn syrup or sugar. There’s additionally a massive distinction between pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla. You’ll discover substances like caramel coloring, synthetic flavors, corn syrup, and propylene glycol hiding out within the synthetic model.

I’ve been making my own vanilla extract for years. Not solely is it cheaper than store-bought vanilla extract, however the taste is unbeatable. With solely two substances, it’s additionally one of the only recipes to make.

Vanilla extract may be referred to as vanilla tincture, because it’s basically a tincture of food-grade liquor and complete vanilla beans. With simply a cup of vodka, some vanilla beans, and time, you’ll be able to create your own vanilla extract.

Different Types of Vanilla Beans

There are a number of sorts of vanilla beans. Any will work, however right here’s the distinction:

Grade A beans (what I exploit) have more moisture in them and extract sooner. Grade B beans are a little drier and work nicely for extracting, plus they are often a little cheaper. I desire Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, which have a wealthy and floral vanilla taste and aroma.

They’re fairly costly at native grocery shops however you’ll find them online at locations like Amazon for a lot much less.

The Best Alcohol to Use

You’ll additionally need a high-quality liquor that’s at the least 35% alcohol. I desire to make use of rum, after discovering this non-GMO and corn syrup-free spiced rum. Papagayo rum is one other great option. From what I’ve learn, Four Roses and Wild Turkey bourbons are additionally non-GMO, however these are the one two I’ve been in a position to confirm. You may simply search for an natural rum, vodka, or bourbon.

A plain bottle of vodka additionally works however keep away from those with completely different flavors. These often have added synthetic and unhealthy substances. How many ounces of alcohol you employ precisely is determined by how a lot vanilla you need to make. If you’re simply making it for your self then one jar will do, however you’ll be able to simply double or triple the recipe for presents.

Tutorial for Infusing Vanilla

Now that you’ve got your beans and your alcohol, what subsequent? Single-fold vanilla is what you’ll discover at grocery shops and it’s not as sturdy. Double-fold is far stronger, sweeter, and more flavorful, but it surely requires more beans.

For a single-fold vanilla, you’ll need 6-8 vanilla beans for each 8 ounces of alcohol. If you need to make a double-fold merely double the quantity of beans. I exploit about 8 beans for each cup of alcohol in mine and it nonetheless has a good taste.

Once your beans are within the liquid they’ll need to infuse at room temperature and away from direct daylight for at the least 3 months. For the perfect taste, it ought to be infused for 12 months. You can use 8-ounce bottles or bigger, relying on how a lot vanilla you need.

Re-using the Vanilla Beans

Every time you employ a little vanilla extract you’ll be able to merely refill it with a little more alcohol. Once the extract begins to lose its taste then change the used vanilla beans with new ones.

Here’s the super-easy recipe for how to make do-it-yourself vanilla extract.

Ways to Use Vanilla Extract

It makes a great DIY Christmas present. There’s one thing about do-it-yourself vacation presents which might be additional particular. You may even embrace a do-it-yourself tag and put it in a cute jar. Here are some recipes and DIY initiatives to make use of your do-it-yourself vanilla extract in:

Have you ever made your own extracts earlier than? What did you make? Leave a remark and tell us!