Shows how to make vanilla extract from start to finish. Includes packaging and tag ideas for gift giving. Definitely a great homemade gift from the heart!
I know we are just starting this glorious season of fall, but I wanted to share this project now so it’s ready for gift giving at Christmas. I wanted to do this last year but did not think ahead (I’m trying to get better at that!) Anyway, here is all the information you need on how to make vanilla extract. This is the perfect, homemade gift to give friends and family for Christmas. I am going to pair mine with a loaf or two of Eggnog Bread. The vanilla takes two months to cure so there is no time to lose. Let’s get started!
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Supplies Needed
- Vodka
- Vanilla Beans
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- Mason jars (optional)
- Bottles
- Tags/ribbon
- (links to all sources at the end)
Vanilla Extract Ratio
3 or 4 vanilla beans per 8 oz. vodka.
How To Make
Wash your bottles and make sure they are very dry inside. Using a sharp knife, slit your vanilla beans lengthwise leaving one end intact. Place 3 or 4 slit vanilla beans in each 8 oz. bottle. (Use 2 beans for a 4 oz. bottle. You may need to cut the beans in half to make them fit.) Using a funnel, pour vodka into each bottle making sure the beans are covered. Cap the bottles securely. Store them in a convenient place because you need to shake each bottle about once a week.
I tried to make the labeling process as easy as possible. I avoided any configuring of stickers because sometimes that can get confusing. Here is a printable for you to make labels.
I printed on card stock and then simply cut them out. I punched two holes in the sides and tied them to my bottles with twine. You could punch one hole in the top of the tag and tie it around the neck of the bottle. Another idea is printing on sticker paper, cutting out and adhering the label directly to the bottle.
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More Ideas For Gift Giving
Just a reminder that this homemade vanilla extract takes two months to cure. Enjoy!
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for the best holiday season ever!
I love to make my own vanilla and would like to thank you for sharing recipes for larger quantities!
When I make vanilla, I use a good bourbon; such a rich flavor. I do, however, use vodka to make homemade kahlua.
Thanks for all your great ideas.I am certainly one of your raving fans!
Ann, I just wanted to thank you for making things so easy for us. I love that you give all the details for completing a project. You have done all the leg work and we get to enjoy the process.
Bonnie
Love your home tours! Just purchased bottles and vanilla beans, so planning on giving this a try. Using your option # 2, do you put the vanilla beans back….as into the “gift giving” jars? Or do you use the beans in something else??
You could put a few of the vanilla beans back or you could place one or two whole vanilla beans in the gift giving bottle. If you use clear bottles it makes a nice presentation to see the beans. If you use the brown bottles the beans don’t show as well. Totally up to you!
It’s even better made with Bourbon !
Love homemade vanilla! My mom and I made some a few years ago, using bourbon instead of vodka. It was great! What I learned was – the more vanilla beans the better – 3-4 is a good amount as in your recipe. And it lasts forever. I am still adding bourbon to my vanilla beans after 2 years. But I think it’s time for a fresh batch, with vodka this time. Thanks Ann!
Ann, I absolutely love this idea! So, what is the shelf life for the vanilla? How do you know when it’s “ready”? Can you use other flavors of vodka or should we stick with plain vodka?
Hi Pam!
The shelf life of vanilla is as long as the shelf life of alcohol which is forever…but I would not keep it for longer than 5 years. I’m talking about pure vanilla extract not imitation vanilla extract. It’s ready when the vodka has become a very dark brown. I would stick with plain vodka if you want the pure vanilla flavor. Thanks for stopping by!
We started making our own vanilla last year. We’ll never go back to commercial. Homemade is so much better! This is a perfect gift; one that any home cook or baker will appreciate. I used a locally made organic vodka that wasn’t so great as is, but made fantastic vanilla extract.
I am ordering the supplies now and can’t wait to try this! My children are now in college, but I would have loved the idea of giving a jar of this with a pretty label along with some homemade baked goods as teacher gifts when they were younger. Thank you so much for sharing such a fun recipe and great gift idea.
I did not know pure vanilla had vodka in it!!
Ann, Want to try this for gifts. Please, is it possible to get downloadable labels that can be used as a pdf without having to sign up for another app? Thanks.
Hi Pam!
I just added a link so you can download a pdf. Hope this helps!
This is a great idea! I just retired in June after 30 years of teaching & this is just the kind of project I’ve been wanting to try! Love your blog!
ps Are you in Ohio? I’m in Willoughby.
pps Maybe mamawinn will share her fig preserves recipe with you…and you can share it with us. Sounds delightful!
Hi Diane…yes I’m in Ohio. Findlay!