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!
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement.
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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*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
More Ideas For Gift Giving
Just a reminder that this homemade vanilla extract takes two months to cure. Enjoy!
GET THE OSP
HOLIDAY PLANNERS!
Be ready to plan and prepare
for the best holiday season ever!
Thanks so much for the labels and recipes. I made my own vanilla last year and it went like hotcakes. Everybody loved it. I am trying Bourbon this year which I have heard is really yummy. Love your blog
Ann, I am so excited. The vanilla beans I ordered came in the mail today and I have been busy making the extract.
Hi Ann,
Thanks so much for the inspiration and the links!! I just completed my amazon order and am looking forward to making the vanilla and packaging it for Christmas. Looking forward to the egg nog bread recipe :)
Ann, this has been on my to-do list forever! Love the little brown bottles and will be ordering some. My sister-in-law used to always bring me vanilla from Mexico, and I’m just about to run out. Can’t wait to make my own! And you have good taste in vodka, I might add. Absolut has always been my preferred brand and a vodka tonic is my signature cocktail. Leo wanted to know if you were watching the Notre Dame game at your house. I’m trying to convert him to a Clemson fan. The Gamecocks are having a lousy season!
Oh my gosh yes we were watching the game. How awful. My family was not happy. lol!
Hi Ann!
I’m a new subscriber to your blog and a huge fan of yours. I love this gift idea, your style, your pins, your recipes! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring us!!
Hi Ellen…thank you for saying hello. Welcome to On Sutton Place!
How long does it take to be ready to use?
About 2 months Linda…thanks for stopping by!
Love this and love the tag. Thanks!
An excellent gift!
Ann, I would like to make the vanilla extract. I have the vodka, mason jars, and vanilla beans however, I am not sure where to purchase the dark bottles? What would you suggest? We live in a small town, our closest shopping is a hour away.
Thank you!
Hi Kallie!
I ordered mine from Amazon. I included links at the end of the post for everything I used. Thanks!
Ann ~ You are a generous angel to share all of this with us! I want to try every single recipe, print the tags and try the gift wrapping ideas, too. Just this one post is worth gold to me! Thanks so much!