I adore the scent of natural vanilla. It can be used in so many recipes and is perfect in my superfood coffee<\/a>. I even use it in DIY skincare recipes like this sugar cookie lip scrub<\/a>.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, store-bought \u201creal vanilla\u201d extract often has corn syrup or sugar. There\u2019s also a big difference between pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla. You\u2019ll find ingredients like caramel coloring, artificial flavors, corn syrup, and propylene glycol hiding out in the artificial version.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been making my own vanilla extract for years. Not only is it less expensive than store-bought vanilla extract, but the flavor is unbeatable. With only two ingredients, it\u2019s also one of the simplest recipes to make.<\/p>\n Vanilla extract could also be called vanilla tincture, as it\u2019s essentially a tincture of food-grade liquor and whole vanilla beans. With just a cup of vodka, some vanilla beans, and time, you can create your own vanilla extract.<\/p>\n There are several types of vanilla beans. Any will work, but here\u2019s the difference:<\/p>\n Grade A beans (what I use) have more moisture in them and extract faster. Grade B beans are a little drier and work well for extracting, plus they can be a little cheaper. I prefer Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, which have a rich and floral vanilla flavor and aroma. <\/p>\n They\u2019re pretty expensive at local grocery stores but you can find them online at places like Amazon for much less.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also need a high-quality liquor<\/a> that\u2019s at least 35% alcohol. I prefer to use rum, after finding this non-GMO and corn syrup-free spiced rum<\/a>. Papagayo rum is another great option. From what I\u2019ve read, Four Roses and Wild Turkey bourbons are also non-GMO, but those are the only two I\u2019ve been able to verify. You can also just look for an organic rum, vodka, or bourbon.<\/p>\n A plain bottle of vodka also works but avoid the ones with different flavors. These usually have added artificial and unhealthy ingredients. How many ounces of alcohol you use exactly depends on how much vanilla you want to make. If you\u2019re just making it for yourself then one jar will do, but you can easily double or triple the recipe for gifts.<\/p>\n Now that you have your beans and your alcohol, what next? Single-fold vanilla is what you\u2019ll find at grocery stores and it\u2019s not as strong. Double-fold is much stronger, sweeter, and more flavorful, but it requires more beans.<\/p>\n For a single-fold vanilla, you\u2019ll need 6-8 vanilla beans for every 8 ounces of alcohol. If you want to make a double-fold simply double the amount of beans. I use about 8 beans for every cup of alcohol in mine and it still has a good flavor.<\/p>\n Once your beans are in the liquid they\u2019ll need to infuse at room temperature and away from direct sunlight for at least 3 months. For the best flavor, it should be infused for 12 months. You can use 8-ounce bottles or larger, depending on how much vanilla you want.<\/p>\n Every time you use a little vanilla extract you can simply refill it with a little more alcohol. Once the extract starts to lose its flavor then replace the used vanilla beans with new ones.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the super-easy recipe for how to make homemade vanilla extract.<\/p>\n \tDifferent Types of Vanilla Beans<\/h3>\n
The Best Alcohol to Use<\/h3>\n
Tutorial for Infusing Vanilla<\/h3>\n
Re-using the Vanilla Beans<\/h3>\n
![\"Homemade_Vanilla_Extract\"](\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Homemade_Vanilla_Extract-200x200.jpg)
Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe<\/h2>\n