Homemade Vanilla Extract
Extract is simply a long soak of split vanilla beans in high-proof neutral spirit. By submersing the beans in alcohol, you draw out the vanillin over several months, resulting in a dark, aromatic liquid that improves as it ages.
Patience is your primary ingredient
The flavor profile shifts significantly between the three-month mark and the six-month mark. Choose a clean glass bottle that seals tightly to prevent evaporation.
- 8-ounce amber glass bottle
- sharp paring knife
- small funnel
What goes in.
- 5 to 6Grade B vanilla beans
- 8 ozVodka (80 proof)
Exposing the Seeds
Slit the beans lengthwise to expose the thousands of tiny seeds inside. This increases the surface area, allowing the alcohol to penetrate the bean and extract the flavor compounds more efficiently.
The method.
Prepare the beans
Use a paring knife to slice each bean down the center, leaving the ends intact. If the beans are too long for your bottle, fold them in half.
Submerge
Place the split beans into the glass bottle. Use a funnel to pour the vodka over the beans until they are completely covered by at least an inch of liquid.
Seal and store
Close the bottle tightly. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight.
Agitate
Give the bottle a firm shake every few days during the first month. Afterward, a gentle shake once a week is sufficient.
Other turns to take.
Bourbon Extract
Use bourbon instead of vodka for a deeper, oak-forward profile that pairs well with chocolate or caramel-based desserts.
Rum Extract
White or spiced rum provides a softer, molasses-inflected sweetness to the extract.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Grade B beans are preferred for extract because they have lower moisture content and release flavor faster than the plumper Grade A beans.
The liquid will begin to turn amber within the first two weeks; it should be dark brown by the three-month mark.
Once the level of the extract drops below the top of the beans, add more spirit to ensure they remain fully submerged to prevent mold.
The ones that keep coming up.
Do I need to remove the beans after it's done?
No, you can leave them in the bottle indefinitely. The beans will continue to add complexity as long as they are soaking.
Can I top off the bottle?
Yes. As you use the extract, you can add more alcohol to the bottle. Just ensure you add a fresh bean every now and then to keep the potency high.
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