How to make vanilla extract for gifting 🎁

Have you ever made homemade vanilla? It's surprisingly simple, more affordable than store-bought, and such a fun gift to share. 🎁

Every time I talk about my vanilla extract adventure on Instagram, the questions pour in, so I wanted to put everything in one place for you to reference.

If you want to make a few bottles for Christmas gifts, you still have time. Add the “ready on” date to the label so the recipient knows when it will be finished. It does not need to be ready by Christmas since the flavor continues to develop over the next six to twelve months.

I am making a batch for Christmas gifts and using them as favors at my cookie-decorating party this weekend! 🎄🍪

✅ What you need:

The Bottles

I used these 4-ounce bottles - the kit includes 20 bottles and includes tiny funnels, sticker labels, and mesh bags for gifting.

Get the bottles

The Vanilla Beans

I used madagascar vanilla beans. You want to use 1 bean per 1-ounce of vodka. I was able to make (13) 4- ounce bottles from the 50-pack of beans.

Get the vanilla beans

Vodka (or Bourbon)

Grab your favorite 80-proof vodka from the store (cheap works just fine). I've only made it with vodka but bourbon works well too. I used (2) 750ml bottles of vodka to make the 13 bottles.

Labels

The kit I linked above comes with stickers, but you know me...I had to design my own. 🤣 I also laminated them to prevent them from getting wet.

Get the labels

⭐️Tip: To make them extra special, you can also tie on a small set of measuring spoons. I love gifting these gold ones because they look beautiful and elevate the whole presentation.

💲 Cost breakdown:

Making your own extract comes out to roughly $7 per jar, depending on the alcohol you use. They also make adorable gifts.

The bottles I linked below are big, so each one yields quite a bit. You can see it next to the 4-ounce McCormick bottle, which sells for $11 at my Walmart.

✔️ How to make it:

1) Start by splitting four vanilla beans lengthwise. You do not need to cut all the way through, just enough to open them and expose the seeds.

2) Cut each bean in half so it fits the height of your bottle, then place all the pieces into a 4-ounce jar.

3) Use a funnel to pour in the vodka (leaving about 1" of space from the top so you can shake it), close, and let it sit in a dark, cool spot. The longer it sits, the richer the flavor. 6-12 months is ideal. If not gifting right away, shake them every few days for the first few weeks.

4) Attach the labels & gift away! I laminated mine so that they don't get wet when spilled. My labels have instructions on the back, so that the recipient knows how to use, store, and refill!

⏰ Want it ready to use quicker? Someone on Instagram messaged and said you can speed this up using an Instant Pot. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my list!

If you make some for gifts, be sure to send me a photo! Reply to this email or tag me on Instagram @DesignEatRepeat - I'd LOVEEEEE to see your bottles of liquid gold!!!