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Home » Homemade » Making Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract from Scratch (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic) plus free printable tags!

Making Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract from Scratch (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic) plus free printable tags!

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Making Homemade Vanilla Extract is so easy. Would make a wonderful homemade Christmas gift. #homemade

Yep, today I am sharing how to make homemade pure vanilla extract – from scratch! I cannot believe just how easy it was to make – you literally only need 2 ingredients. See, that doesn’t sound too hard now does it? You can totally do this.

As you might know buying real vanilla extract can get expensive, but the flavor is amazing. Making your own vanilla extract is a great way to save money and add that wonderful taste to all sorts of dishes. It takes a couple months to make your own, but if you start now (and use cute bottles), it would make a wonderful Christmas present for family and friends.

Vanilla beans - Making homemade vanilla extract

When it comes to making homemade vanilla extract, there are two camps: alcohol and non-alcohol vanilla extract.

Making Homemade Vanilla extract

I gathered the ingredients to make both as pictured above. Here are recipes for either:

Alcohol Vanilla Extract Recipe

  • Unflavored vodka
  • Vanilla beans

Cut the each vanilla bean in half lengthwise splitting them in down the middle, but leave an inch at the end that is still connected. Then cut the beans in half the other way so they are shorter to fit in the jar.

Vanilla Beans - Making Homemade Vanilla Extract

For every 8 ounces, add in pieces of vanilla beans that total 3 or 4 whole beans.

Pure Vanilla Extract using Vodka and beans.

Pour the vodka over the beans so they’re completely covered in liquid. I bought a 40 oz. of vodka and it filled up my mason jar perfectly. I used 16 vanilla beans in my jar.

Next, place the cap or lid tightly on the bottle and put them in a cool, dark place (such as a closet or back of the pantry). Once a week, give the bottles a good shake. The length of time you give them will depend on how intense you want the flavor to be. Six to 8 weeks is plenty, or you can let it go longer.

Once it’s done, use something like a coffee filter or flour sack towel to strain out particulates from the extract. Put it back in the bottle or split among smaller bottles for gifts.

Non-Alcoholic Vanilla Extract Recipe

Non-alcoholic version of vanilla extract

Many feel the amount of alcohol in the above recipe is very minimal, but if you’d prefer something alcohol-free, here’s how to avoid using vodka.

  • 16 oz food-grade vegetable glycerine
  • 8 vanilla beans

The instructions are pretty much the same as with the above recipe. Cut and split the vanilla beans and place them in a jar with the glycerine. Put on the lid and store in a cool, dark place, shaking once a week. Takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

This is my first time making homemade vanilla extract, so in 6 weeks I will come back and let you all know how it tastes with both types of vanilla.

About Vanilla Beans

Not all vanilla beans will have the same flavor, so choose your vanilla beans according to your own preference. If you like vanilla extract that is more bold and smoky, Mexican vanilla beans are a good choice while Madagascar vanilla beans have more of a floral, fruity flavor and are a favorite among many. You can also experiment using different types of alcohol like rum or bourbon in place of vodka. Vodka is preferred because it typically is neutral in flavor so the flavor of the vanilla is more pronounced. Other liquor helps bring new dimensions of flavor to the extract.

I’ve read that it’s possible to reuse the beans to make more extract. You can also grind up the beans and use them for recipes, including homemade ice cream.

But is it worth the cost and time?

Vanilla made with alcohol breakdown in price:
Vodka 40 oz – $9.89, Vanilla beans ½ of ¼ lb. package = $8.98
Final price for 40 oz of homemade vanilla = $18.87 = $0.47 oz.

Vanilla made with Glycerin
Glycerin – I only used 40 oz, leaving behind 15 oz… – $8.34, Vanilla beans 1/8 lb = $8.98,
Final price for 40 oz. = 17.32  = $0.43 oz.

Online it says Costco’s 16 oz pure vanilla = $8.13 = $0.51 oz. and Walmart has Great Value pure vanilla at $2.48 per oz. So therefore it IS more cost effective to make your own, especially since it takes little effort to make it, just patience. Patience and time. Another plus is that I have heard you might be able to reuse the vanilla pods again after the first batch to make a second batch which would be a better deal.

Update:: A reader looked in store at Costco and the vanilla is $6.99 for 16 oz, making it $0.44 per oz. So it might be more cost effective to just buy it there. 

If you are doing the bottles for gifts though, including the bottles and price of homemade vanilla per oz. you pay only $3.63 per bottle! That IS ONE THRIFTY GIFT!! And it’s homemade so that is even better.

Gifting and Free Printable

Making Homemade Vanilla Extract is so easy. Would make a wonderful homemade Christmas gift. #homemade

If you think ahead you could have some really lovely homemade Christmas gifts for giving. I took a little bit of burlap, cut a one inch strip and used glue dots to wrap them around some amber colored bottles. Then I printed out these sweet labels that were created for you dear readers by Chelsea from ChelseWeilerDesigns. You can just print them out on some kraft colored paper or order these labels and print directly on them.

Free printable tags for making Homemade Vanilla Extract. Would make a wonderful homemade Christmas gift. #homemade

Here are the links to purchase these items yourself.

  • Amber colored bottles
  • Kraft colored sticker labels (from etsy)
  • Burlap
  • Glue dots
  • Vanilla beans
  • Glycerin
  • or Vodka – liquor store

And if you would like the free printable all I require from you is your first born child and a chocolate cake. Okay, not really. You can have it for free…you know, cause I love you and all.

Free printable tags to make homemade vanilla! Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic recipe.

Click here for the Free Vanilla printable tag for the Alcohol or Vodka recipe

Click here for that Free Vanilla printable tag for the Non-Alcoholic recipe.

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Making your own vanilla extract is easy and inexpensive! It also makes amazing gifts. 
Print Pin Rate
Course: homemade diy
Cuisine: American
Keyword: vanilla extract
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 16 ounces
Calories: 71kcal
Author: Karrie

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Vodka or Vegetable Glycerine
  • 8 vanilla beans
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Cut and split the vanilla beans and place them in a jar with the vodka (use glycerine for a non-alcoholic version). Put on the lid and store in a cool, dark place, shaking once a week. In six to 8 weeks your vanilla extract will be ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 71kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @happymoneysaver or tag #happymoneysaver!

I hope you enjoyed learning about making your own homemade vanilla extract. I am thinking of making a little homemade kit of “vanilla” themed products I made myself to give to my friends and family for Christmas this year. When I strain the vanilla beans after 6 weeks I hope to add them to another homemade soap batch.

Have you made homemade vanilla before? It’s so exciting!

Pssssst...

Make sure to follow along with @HappyMoneySaver on Instagram, connect with me on Facebook and pin along with me on Pinterest!.

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September 23, 2013
Homemade

Comments

  1. Susan says

    December 4, 2022

    what is the NUMBER of the labels AVERY ? To purchase to print these labels you had for free printing

    Reply
  2. Heather says

    November 2, 2022

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing this! Things are tight for me this year and I have been searching for a way to give gifts that people will use. being able to give them this vanilla will be amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙂

    The labels are wonderful too!

    Reply
    • Happy-Money-Saver says

      November 4, 2022

      Oh, I love this! So glad it could help!

      Reply
  3. Sherrie Oldham says

    August 11, 2022

    Do I scape the seeds out of the bean or leave them intact.. confused about the straining step.. I so want to make this.. THX
    S

    Reply
    • Happy-Money-Saver says

      August 24, 2022

      Just cup the vanilla beans in half and leave them intact. I’m excited for you to make it!

      Reply
  4. Leena Paul says

    December 2, 2020

    5 stars
    This is really nice. thanks for sharing.go ahead

    Reply
    • Corine Mullins says

      February 4, 2022

      What size bottles are the amber colored. I try to rap the link but it won’t allow the contents

      Reply
  5. Tri says

    November 10, 2020

    Can I mix vodka and glycerin together to make it go further and stay true to the flavors.

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      November 12, 2020

      I don’t think that would work unfortunately… glycerin is a thicker consistency and probably wouldn’t mix well with the vodka.

      Reply
      • Samia says

        December 19, 2020

        Would the glycerin eventually become less thick? If not, would one use the extract as they normally would per recipe?

      • Karrie says

        January 21, 2021

        It’s a thicker solution for sure, doesn’t turn liquidy. I use it the same as extract in the recipe.

  6. Alexa says

    November 5, 2020

    5 stars
    I’m always diy-ing my Xmas gifts and this would be an amazing idea! Best part about it? Even I won’t be able to screw it up haha. So glad I’ve discovered this on Pinterest!

    Reply
  7. Lrdmn says

    December 23, 2019

    It’s better with bourbon than with vodka.

    Reply
  8. Barbara Guth says

    December 11, 2019

    Where is the recipe for coconut extract? I’d like to try that one but don’t know of I need fresh or unsweetened/ sweetened shredded.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Robin says

      January 30, 2022

      After much research, most glycerin comes from PALM OIL!!! :0( The most DESTRUCTIVE, sought after ingredient that has and is diminishing our rain forests. I found a fabulous alternative: Coconut derived glycerin. Here’s the site I purchased mine from: wildlyorganic.com 41oz. $19.99; 1 gal $54.95 For me, the cost is worth it in order to do my part in what is best for our planet and her creatures! Also just found a way to make your own Coconut Glycerin….it’s a good day! :0)

      Reply
  9. Michelle says

    November 2, 2019

    Your link for vanilla beans is $157 for 30. And I can’t find then anywhere as inexpensive as you did. Any tips?

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      November 4, 2019

      Darn, yeah it when I first made this post years ago vanilla was inexpensive! Now the prices have soared. Try googling where to find the best current deals on vanilla beans are…?

      Reply
  10. Annetta Williams says

    October 10, 2019

    As of 10/9/2019 – Costco’s Pure Vanilla is now close to $37/32 oz bottle. I bought their vanilla beans (5/container) yesterday so will try my hand at the glycerine formula since I have glycerine in the house already!

    Reply
  11. Laura says

    September 5, 2017

    Update: As of this date Costco’s PVE is now a whopping $27.69. More reason to diy. Thanks for the blog.

    Reply
    • Heather says

      February 26, 2018

      Costco Vanilla is even higher in 2018: closer to $35 for the same $9.79 bottles a year ago!! Time to do my first attempt at vanilla. Does the glycerin preserve the vanilla as long as the vodka-based? I would like to re-use the beans again and need something that preserves the vanilla safely. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Heather says

        March 5, 2018

        To answer my own questions, I found this information on http://www.thebalance.com: “Enjoy the long shelf life. Your extract should keep for up to four years and does not need to be refrigerated. The glycerine acts as a preservative in this recipe, which is why the extract has such a long shelf life.”

  12. Debi says

    April 8, 2017

    Do you have a recipe for homemade Almond extract? I use it a lot

    Reply
  13. rupali says

    February 28, 2017

    Awesome work

    Reply
  14. Matt says

    November 14, 2016

    Hi,

    Awesome site!

    Just one question. Would you know if I can use propylene glycol instead of Glycerin? Would it be better or worse?

    Many thanks!

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      November 15, 2016

      It looks like you could according to this site: http://www.vanillaqueen.com/vanilla-extract-an-insiders-view/

      Reply
      • Matt says

        November 21, 2016

        Thank you very much for that, Karrie. ^_^

        Cheers!

  15. Karrie says

    November 10, 2016

    You are very welcome!

    Reply
  16. Kim says

    August 29, 2016

    What label template should I used to print labels

    Reply
  17. rupali says

    May 8, 2016

    Thanks so much for posting this..

    Reply
  18. Kathy says

    February 14, 2016

    I love this especially since I use Pure Vanilla extract as a mosquito repellant on my grandchildren as infants & toddlers because at that age everything goes in their mouth & I can Spray it All Over them in a Travel atomizer & this way they don’t get “poisoned” and SMELL like vanilla cookies^^
    You just use a 1:1 ratio of water to Pure Vanilla Extract (If you have to use “Store bought” before your own batch is ready make sure there is NO alcohol OR SUGAR in the store bought brand… that actually WILL attract the bugs)

    Reply
    • Cris says

      September 9, 2016

      Hi! Thanks for this little tip! I wondering, what does your Pure Vanilla Extract mosquito repellant use as a base if not alcohol or anything with sugar? Even Vegetable Glycerin is a type of sugar?

      Reply
  19. Debbie says

    October 10, 2015

    For those with gluten sensetivity, use a good quality potato vodka.

    Reply
  20. kiran tank says

    January 31, 2015

    Is there is any change in taste of alcoholic and non alcoholic vanilla extract

    Reply
    • Happy.MoneySaver says

      February 2, 2015

      I really liked both of them and so did the people I gave them out to. The consensus between most people was that the alcoholic version was closer to the original. But when cooking with the vanillas they both tasted great!

      Reply
    • MariTere says

      July 29, 2021

      From reading around, vanilla flavour (the non-alcoholic variety) is sweeter but has a less intense vanilla flavour. The vodka extract is clean tasting and more versatile than a bourbon base – which has its own, rich character.

      Reply
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Karrie

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I'm Karrie. Come join me on my money savin' adventures but beware: you may find yourself wanting backyard chickens, making freezer meals and dancing along with me to 80's music.
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