Homemade Vanilla Extract
Two ingredients and eight weeks of patience. It puts the little brown bottle to shame — and it makes a wonderful gift.
Ingredients
- 5–6 whole vanilla beans (Grade B is fine)
- 8 oz vodka, 80 proof or higher
- A clean 8-oz glass bottle or jar
Steps
- Split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving the ends attached.
- Tuck the beans into the bottle.
- Pour in the vodka to cover the beans completely.
- Cap tightly and shake.
- Store in a dark cupboard, shaking once a week, for at least 8 weeks.
Storage
Dark cupboard; keeps for years. Top up with vodka as you use it.
⚠️ Safety notes
- Keep out of reach of children — it contains alcohol.
- This is for flavoring, not sipping.
Standard kitchen hygiene applies — clean hands, clean equipment, and proper storage for everything you make. If anything looks, smells, or tastes off, don't eat it. Never give honey to children under one year old.
From our shelves
No current Faun & Fern product fits this one — vanilla beans and spirits come from your grocer.