Homemade Vanilla Extract

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• Vanilla Beans in Pod
• Glass Bottles
• Homemade Vanilla Extract Label
• Sticker Paper (to print the labels out on)
• Vodka
• Ribbon, optional

The first thing you need to do in order to make homemade vanilla extract, is to cut the pods. I just used a small, sharp knife and slit it down the middle. Without cutting it all the way through. I left the edges intact so it was still just one pod of vanilla if that makes sense. Then, I went through and gently pushed it open a little more with my fingers. That way, the vanilla beans are fully out and can steep.

You want to add at least 3-5 vanilla pods into each glass bottle. The more you add, the stronger the vanilla will be.

After you have added the vanilla into the bottles, then you’re going to want to pour vodka in. I poured enough to where it covered the vanilla beans. So pretty much all the way to the top of the bottle. I just used the cheapest vodka I could find. I don’t think it really matters which brand/kind you use here. I’ve also seen where people make homemade vanilla extract with bourbon instead of vodka so that could be an option too if you would rather.

So now, that’s it! That’s all you have to do besides let it steep. It says to let it steep for at least 30 days, but I am going to try for two months instead. The longer you let it steep, the stronger it will be. The labels I bought from Etsy say when they were bottled, so if you’re giving them as gifts, that’s a good way to let people know.

This step is totally optional, only if you want to be extra and give them as gifts! I decided to be extra and make the labels too because it gives them the perfect Christmas flair! I ordered labels off of Etsy and just used sticker paper to print them out on. I was going to try to make my own with my Cricut, but I figured this was just easier. Especially since it was all typed out already! I also made the mistake of buying matte sticker paper first, which I didn’t like. So I re-ordered and got glossy paper instead. It looks much better plus, it is waterproof as well is a plus. I linked the exact paper I used for you in case you need it too!

After printing them out, I just cut them out and stuck them on the bottle. And then to make it more festive, I tied a cute Christmas ribbon around the bottle as well. How stinking cute, right?! I love that you can give these as gifts and they are homemade which means so much more! Have you ever tried to make homemade vanilla extract before?! If not, you definitely should and let me know how it goes for you!