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!
My vanilla extract is processing on my counter! Removed a half a cup of vodka from the Absolut bottle, to accommodate the volume of the vanilla beans. Added our vanilla beans to both the the Absolut bottle and the extra half cup in the mason jar. Cannot wait to try the extract. Use the great labels.
Been talking about this recipe with several of my friends, can’t wait to surprise them with a bottle at Christmastime!
Thanks again for this recipe! Merry Christmas ????
Hi! I live overseas and have been making my vanilla for a number of years. I don’t put as many vanilla beans in as you have indicated but I try to let mine sit for up to a year before I use it. I usually use vodka since I can generally get it very cheap (sometimes as little as $4 for 1 liter) but recently I made a bottle using rum. I’m wondering if I’ll notice a big difference. Do you throw your used vanilla beans away? Do you ever reuse them?
Thanks for the post!
Mine is a little cloudy. Is this normal? Appreciate your advice.
Made my vanilla today. For some reason, I thought it would be difficult. Not at all! Hope it has enough time to do its thing….