Homemade vanilla extract

Step 1

Pour out about ½ cup vodka from the bottle and set aside.

Step 2

If using new vanilla beans, split the pods down the middle and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds directly to the vodka bottle, then add the split pods. If using already-scraped vanilla beans, add directly to the vodka bottle.

Step 3

Carefully pour as much of the reserved ½ cup vodka as possible back into the bottle, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Screw the cap on to seal tightly.

Step 4

Shake the bottle vigorously, then let sit at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. For the first few weeks, shake the bottle daily. After 2–3 weeks, the vodka should start to turn a light amber color. At this point, you can shake the bottle every few days or so. After 5 weeks, the vanilla extract is ready to use. Store indefinitely at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

Step 5

If desired, pour the vanilla extract into smaller, sanitized, resealable glass bottles to give as gifts.

Step 6

As you use the vanilla extract, you can add more vodka and vanilla beans for as long as you like, continuing the shaking and infusing process.

Step 7

Enjoy!