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You are here: Home / Recipes / Baking / {Holiday Neighbor Gift} Homemade Vanilla Extract

{Holiday Neighbor Gift} Homemade Vanilla Extract

196 · Sep 29, 2011 · 81 Comments

I know, I know… It's still September and we are more worried about apple pie and getting ready for ghouls and goblins, but this fabulous neighbor gift takes some time to make. Homemade vanilla extract is not only elegant and refined, but simple to create for yourself. Don't be scared… it's not laborious hours pressing each and every vanilla bean.  All you have to do is make a simple concoction and then let is SIT. 

I have spent countless hours watching cooking show after cooking with the host always saying, "make sure you use only the best vanilla!"  For years I was perplexed.  How on earth am I supposed to know what the "best vanilla" is?  I have now found out… the best vanilla is the vanilla that you make yourself.  Here is what you will need…

  • Whole Vanilla Beans – I recommend ordering them online, it's way more cost effective.  I ordered mine from Beanilla Trading Company. I decided on the beans from Madagascar.
  •  
  • Vodka – I used the cheapest Vodka I could find. In all of my research, many people say it really doesn't matter. Now, here is the caveat… I don't drink so I don't really know the quality of my vodka vs. other kinds so if you know vodka better you may have more of a preference.

That's it… other than packaging, but I am going to save that post for another day.  Here is what you need to do.

First, you need to carefully slit your vanilla beans length wise starting just below the tip of the bean…

My beans were rather long so I also cut them in half.  Then all you need to do is add your beans to your vodka.  Here is the ratio to follow…

2 large vanilla beans to 1 cup of vodka

If your beans tend to be on the puny side, I would use 3 beans per cup of vodka.  Place your split beans in your liquid, seal and then store in a cool, dark place like a pantry. 

Give it a good shake every few days and after 2-3 months you will have a lovely homemade vanilla. Obviously, the longer you let it sit,it will become darker and more developed.  After your desired amount of time run your new vanilla through a strainer and a couple of layers of cheese cloth and then package it up. 

I am planning on keeping a bottle for myself and then packaging some fun bottles to give away to family and friends for the holidays! 

Here is my cost breakdown…

  • Vodka – $1.35 per cup
  • Vanilla Bean – $1.10 per bean
  • Bottle – $1.00

The bottles I am using hold about a cup of liquid so the total cost for one bottle is $4.55.  I will be generous and round up for other packaging needs like printing, fabric, bottle embellishments and such and I will say my total is, $5.00!  Not bad for an elegant and thoughtful gift for family, friends, teachers and such for the holidays!!

For all of the information on bottles and packaging click here to visit the How to Package your Homemade Vanilla post!

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Baking, Baking Supplies, Christmas, Christmas, Gift Ideas, Gifts, Holidays, Neighbor Gifts, Pincandy, Printables, Recipes, Teacher Gifts Recipe

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Comments

  1. Lacie rowell says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:49 am

    This is such a great post! What a great idea for gifts!!! Where can we find bottles like yours to put it in?

    Reply
  2. Darlene says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:00 am

    What kind of bottle..or what is your preference as to a good bottle to use?

    Thanks!!

    Reply
  3. Carol ( Answer Is Chocolate) says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:23 am

    What a wonderful gift idea. Pinning right now!

    Reply
  4. Glenda J says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:40 am

    I’ve done this for years now and love it. I don’t strain, just use all those yummy vanilla seed that happen to come out while pouring. I also have to say “YOU HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LABELS ON YOURS”

    Reply
  5. Sarah @ This Crazy Blessed Life says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Yes…where did you get your bottles? 🙂

    Reply
  6. Rachelle @ The Shabby Tulip says

    September 29, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    I LOVE your bottles! I have been planning on doing this for the holidays, but your packaging totally inspired me! Great post. But I would also like to know where the bottles came from:)

    Reply
  7. Kathy Martin says

    September 29, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Oh wow, I bet your own vanilla would be fabulous. And your burlap bottle…the best!

    Reply
  8. Kristen says

    September 29, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    I don’t want to think about the holidays yet… it’s way too early for me, but I love your gift idea. Those labels, especially, are beautiful!

    Reply
    • Cindi says

      September 30, 2011 at 4:39 pm

      I really want the labels!!! I have been looking for those online and so far no luck 🙁

      Reply
  9. TidyMom says

    September 29, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    great minds……….I’m making this for gifts this year too!!

    I love it!!

    Reply
  10. Jade McClellan says

    September 29, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    I wanna know about the bottles too!

    Reply
  11. trish says

    September 29, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    Great gift idea! I want to try to make this!
    Thank You! I love it!

    Reply
  12. Megan (Honey We're Home) says

    September 29, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    I love this!! And I love your whole blog! I would love to feature this post on my blog if you don’t mind!

    Reply
  13. Andrea says

    September 29, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    This was already on my to do list for next week! I was going to check out Ikea to see what kind of bottles they have and maybe even the dollar store. Can’t wait for the packaging and label ideas!

    Reply
  14. Rebecca Cooper says

    September 29, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    what a great idea Heather! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Chelsea @ {twotwentyone} says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    Just pinned this!

    Reply
  16. Chessa says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    Great idea! I look forward to your post about the bottle! I don’t know anything about Vodka either-so I like your route! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  17. Shona says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Thanks so much for this idea….I will definitely be making some of this for Christmas gifts. My mom will LOVE this….she is one of those that always says “use the GOOD vanilla”! Thanks again!

    Reply
  18. Jenny says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    The bottle is beautiful and I bet what’s inside is ever better! Have you linked this up with Creative Me Monday? Here’s the link if you haven’t and would like to:

    http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2011/09/creative-me-monday_25.html

    Hope to see you there!

    Jenny

    Reply
  19. Cristy says

    September 30, 2011 at 6:02 am

    I love this idea!

    I started my vanilla in July, it was my first post to get linked up to link parties, including here! {new to blogging}.

    I just sampled mine last week, it’s a good thing there are a few more months until Christmas, it’s ok now but it just keeps getting better!!!

    Reply
  20. Julie Blanner says

    September 30, 2011 at 6:41 am

    How did you create the labels?

    Reply
  21. Laurel Lia says

    September 30, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    How long will it keep? Can’t wait to get started!

    Reply
  22. Sharenda says

    September 30, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    I would love for you to do a tute on those beautiful labels you made

    Reply
  23. Kathy McIntyre says

    September 30, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    Please tell me where you got your bottles, love the opportunity to get working on Christmas!

    Reply
  24. Heather says

    September 30, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    WhipperBerry
    I am super excited about all the buzz about the Whipperberry DIY Vanilla post and I PROMISE to have a packaging post next week.

    However, in the mean time you can start your project by calculating how many vanilla beans you need for your bottle of vodka and then place the vanilla beans directly in the large bottle. This will make it easier when when you strain the liquid gold when you are finished and make bottling much easier. Let me know if you have any more questions!

    Reply
  25. Pidg says

    September 30, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    Okay here comes the the ding dong because no one else has asked this question. Since you use Vodka does the alcohol ‘cook out’ when you bake? {stop laughing} 😉

    Reply
    • Heather says

      September 30, 2011 at 9:29 pm

      Not a ding dong question at all. If you look at the ingredients on the back of your normal store bought vanilla you will find that the primary ingredient in it as well. Yep, total surprise to me to. They make it the same way commercially too!
      kisses
      heather

      Reply
  26. Faith says

    September 30, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    Terrific gift idea! Better get started on this now though if it takes a few months. eeck!

    Reply
  27. Tara @ The Butter Dish says

    September 30, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    I do love this idea and since I have enough vanilla to last a year I’ve been thinking about making some for family and friends.

    I do love your photos. They are wonderful.

    For anyone wanting bottles in any shape and size you want for really cheap you can fin them here

    http://www.specialtybottle.com/glassbottles-2.aspx?s_kwcid=TC%7C24589%7Cwholesale%20glass%20bottle%7C%7CSM%7Cb%7C9059261842&gclid=CK2xwNO4xqsCFcTD7QodxR-09Q

    Reply
  28. Chrissy says

    October 1, 2011 at 5:20 am

    Hi Heather,

    Where are your bottles from? They look like the perfect size.
    Many thanks,
    Chrissy

    Reply
  29. Cindi says

    October 1, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    http://www.specialtybottle.com/saucebottlesmi.aspx
    I have been searching for the bottles and the labels….I found these bottles but no such luck on these labels. I have found other cloth ones but LOVE these!!!

    Cindi

    Reply
  30. Maggie @ Vittles and Bits says

    October 1, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    What a cool idea! Love the packaging as well, very cute 🙂

    Reply
  31. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says

    October 1, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    What a wonderful gift – so fun to both give and to receive! I can’t remember the last time I bought a bottle of vanilla, as I’ve been doing this for years. My mom, who would never buy a bottle of vodka, just brings me her empty vanilla bottles for me to “brew” for her. 🙂 Looking forward to all the rest of your info for gift giving!

    Reply
  32. Sarah @ This Crazy Blessed Life says

    October 1, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    Featured this on my new {Crazy Blessed Love} Friday Features!

    http://thiscrazyblessedlife.blogspot.com/2011/09/crazy-blessed-love-friday-features.html

    Reply
  33. Wendy B. says

    October 1, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Did you use 80 proof Vodka?

    Reply
  34. SherryE says

    October 2, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    OK…I started my vanilla months and months ago…I just bottled the first batch..the next batch will be at the end of November….I thought I had a label picked out…UNTIL I SAW THIS!!!

    *notsopatientlywaitingfornextpost*

    Reply
  35. Michelle at Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust says

    October 2, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    Impressive! Dare I try it???

    Warmly, Michelle

    Reply
  36. WenDee Riffe says

    October 3, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    I am in love with this vanilla idea–great gift idea!!!

    Reply
  37. Jessica says

    October 3, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    I’ve been looking through all of your posts… Where is the info on how to do the labels and where to buy the bottles?

    Reply
    • Heather says

      October 3, 2011 at 9:23 pm

      That is coming up later this week. Thursday to be exact!
      kisses
      heather

      Reply
  38. Megan says

    October 5, 2011 at 10:54 am

    Heather I just have to say thank you for enabling me to create an awesome gift this year!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      October 5, 2011 at 11:12 am

      oh megan, you’re sweet!
      kisses
      heather

      Reply
  39. Gina Cole says

    October 19, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    Does this work for other flavors as well?…peppermint?…strawberry?…etc.

    Reply
  40. Katie says

    October 25, 2011 at 5:20 am

    Oh I love this… Thank you for sharing! I will be making these for Christmas gifts.

    Reply
  41. Samantha says

    October 25, 2011 at 11:43 am

    Just wanted to say that the best price I found for ‘woozy’ bottles (which are the shape of yours 🙂 ) is from the Cape Bottle Co. < $2 each, shipped! (Only downside is you have to call to order… 888-833-6307)

    Reply
    • Heather says

      October 25, 2011 at 9:29 pm

      Oh WOWZA!! Thanks for finding the woozy bottle for us! Seriously, that’s great!
      kisses
      heather

      Reply
  42. Laurel says

    November 5, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    I buy vanilla beans from ebay. I’ve used this seller several times. They are cheaper than anybody else, have good extract-grade beans (I can’t tell the difference in the grades of the beans), always gives you a little gift of extra beans, and has INTEGRITY (refunded me a couple of dollars because he was able to ship it cheaper than he thought).

    The seller is vanillaproducts. Here’s a link to his store: http://stores.ebay.com/Vanilla-Products-USA?_rdc=1

    Reply
    • Heather says

      November 5, 2011 at 6:14 pm

      Oh nice Laurel! Thanks so much for the tip!!
      kisses
      heather

      Reply
  43. michelle says

    November 6, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    Those bottles are just about the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  44. Laura says

    November 8, 2011 at 4:26 am

    I’ve been making homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract for years and though I have used vanilla in vodka, it was what I was using for drink concoctions. Why I never thought to let it develop more and become an extract is beyond me!

    Now, if only I can stop myself from drinking the vodka before its useable as an extract?

    Reply
  45. Kathleen says

    November 9, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Thanks for posting this! My husband and I are really excited to try this!

    Reply
  46. Mrs. Limestone says

    November 10, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    I love this! Devasted that I had no idea it could be DIY’d so simply. (I went my whole life without knowing and in the past week Ive seen this on multiple blogs) Im totally doing this next year.

    Gorgeous packaging too.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  47. Sonia says

    November 18, 2011 at 7:35 am

    Hi Heather:
    Thank you for such a wonderful post. I would have never have thought of making my own vanilla extract. This comes in very handy as my wonderful vanilla I purchased in Costa Rica is sadly almost over and I’m not going to Costa Rica anytime soon. But I wanted to ask, what happens to the alcoho? Does it evaporate? I don’t drink either and wouldn’t want to use alcohol in my cooking. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      November 18, 2011 at 8:15 am

      Sonia- great question! If you look on your regular vanilla that you purchase at any store, the main ingredient is alcohol. Also, your lovely Costa Rican vanilla was probably made by this same method. Any time you use an extract you are cooking or baking with alcohol. I’m not sure whether the alcohol fully bakes out, but we’ve all been using it for years so I wouldn’t worry about the homemade vanilla being any different.
      Thanks for a great question!
      kisses
      heather

      Reply
  48. Liza says

    November 27, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    Where did you get your bottles?

    Reply
  49. Marcie Celebrating Moments byMarcie says

    December 12, 2011 at 4:33 am

    Just have to share with you!! I bottled my vanilla last night and it smelled sooooo good!! I pulled out my bottle of McCormick and the difference in smell was amazing! I had my husband smell and he said the homemade smelled more natural. Thx for such a great idea!! I can’t wait to put the labels on. THANKS again xoxox

    Reply
    • Heather says

      December 12, 2011 at 7:06 am

      Oh YAY!! I open my bottles every once in a while to just smell. It’s HEAVENLY isn’t it! We did the smell test too and their is NO comparison! Thanks so much for sharing…
      kisses
      heather

      Reply
  50. natalie holoubek says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:57 am

    Is this photo vanilla after 2 months or longer? Mine seems much lighter after 2 months. Maybe needs to wait longer?

    Reply
  51. cheryl says

    December 19, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    i like making my own vanilla also. thought i would pass on the place i get my beans.ther prettie cheap.. http://www.VanillaProductsUSA.com

    Reply
  52. Jenn says

    December 31, 2011 at 8:49 am

    I have a question, to make one large batch and then divide it out later, can you just stick the vanilla beans directly into the vodka bottle. Then when the batch is “done”, pour them into individual bottles? Just curious if that works vs making individual bottles and letting them sit. Thanks!!!

    Reply
  53. Kathleen Truluck says

    January 1, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    I was just wondering how you made the label for the vanilla? It is adorable. I would love to recreate something like that!!

    Reply
  54. Michelle says

    January 2, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    Did you have the labels done yourself? There are very beautifully done.

    Reply
  55. Marti says

    December 5, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Hey Heather.
    Question. I started my homemade vanilla two months ago. Right amount of vanilla beans. Right amount of vodka. Great, cute bottles. But… the vanilla isn’t coming out as brown as yours is. Did you … ahem… enhance the color a little? Just wondering because I don’t drink and none of my friends do, either, so I want to be able to tell people, “It’s light because I didn’t add any color.”
    It’s been “working” for a bit more than two months now.

    Reply
  56. Nancy says

    November 1, 2013 at 7:16 am

    Looks like Stravinsky brand vodka. They may be cheap, but rivals and may even be better than some more expensive premium vodkas!

    Reply
  57. Amelia says

    September 29, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    I have been using this method for making my vanilla for about 30 years. I have found that the better quality vodka makes a more flavorful vanilla. I like to age it at least 6 months before I use it. To give it color, I add a small amount of store bought vanilla to each bottle of vodka. Thanks for posting so others can enjoy.

    Reply
  58. Tara says

    October 3, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    This is gorgeous! I am so making these for Christmas. Thank you for sharing all the info and such inspiring photos. I just placed my order for the Madagascar Beans you recommended (excellent prices..and only $4 to ship it to Canada! What??!!) Mmmmm…this is going to wow some of the foodies in my life this December!

    Reply
  59. Tara says

    October 3, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    Hi Heather — I ordered enough beans to make 20-25 8oz bottles when done. Can I make it all up in a big container initially during the sitting period and then divide the finished vanilla into the smaller bottles when it’s done soaking? I need some time to find some ‘perfect’ bottles 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      October 3, 2014 at 2:53 pm

      Tara, you sure can! That’s how I did mine. YAY, have fun. Your friends are going to love you!!
      xoxo
      heather

      Reply
  60. Michelle Day says

    November 18, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    So I’m a bit behind on this project and wondering what will happen if I run out of time to strain before gifting?

    Reply
    • Heather says

      November 24, 2014 at 4:52 am

      It should be just fine, don’t worry!!
      xoxo
      heather

      Reply

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Heather from Whipperberry
Hello... my name is Heather and I'm the creator of WhipperBerry a creative lifestyle blog packed full of great recipes and creative ideas for your home and family. I find I am happiest when I'm living a creative life and I love to share what I've been up to along the way... Come explore, my hope is that you'll leave inspired!

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