Homemade Vanilla Extract: 2 Ingredient Recipe + Free Printable Labels | BREPURPOSED (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio for making vanilla extract? ›

The standard for pure vanilla extract is 1 oz. of vanilla beans (by weight) per 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) of alcohol.

Grade B is typically recommended for making homemade vanilla extract. These beans are supposed to be drier and perfect for long soaking in alcohol. I've used both – and maybe I've been lucky but both beans were easy to cut open and use.

For vanilla extract, smoother and cleaner means you get to taste stronger tones of vanilla. The vast majority of Vodka is 80 proof or 40% alcohol. The FDA dictates that a pure vanilla extract needs to be at least 70 proof or 35% alcohol, and this makes Vodka an ideal choice for vanilla extraction.

It's true, though, that the higher the proof, the more vanilla essence will be extracted into the liquid. Since vanilla extract isn't for sipping, but used in concert with other ingredients, the harshness of a higher proof alcohol, such as Everclear, is not usually a problem. Use what you have on hand.

For best flavor you'll want 4-5 vanilla beans for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of vodka. The quality of the vanilla beans is more important than the quality of the alcohol, so you don't need to buy an expensive bottle. Alcohol: 80 proof Vodka, (or brandy, rum, or bourbon, if preferred, for different flavor).

In concise terms: Vodka is Flavorless = Pure vanilla bean taste. Bourbon is Slightly Sweet and Smokey = Enhanced vanilla taste with smokey/sweet notes. Rum is Very Sweet = Maximum vanilla taste, aroma and sweetness.

On average, there are 6-8 V. planifolia Madagascar vanilla beans in an ounce.

FDA standards call for at least 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon of liquid. This equates to approximately . 9 oz of beans per 8 ounces of alcohol! Many people really like to use rum, bourbon, or brandy.

Grade B vanilla beans, on the other hand, are considered 'extract-grade beans', and they are primarily used in making vanilla extract. They are also used in baking and cooking, but they are not recommended for high-end desserts or dishes where the vanilla flavor and appearance are the main focus.

In my testing, I found that the homemade vanilla extract imparted a markedly different flavor than the bottled stuff—great in some applications, less so in others.

What does double fold mean when making vanilla extract? ›

Double-fold (2X) vanilla extracts are made with twice the quantity of vanilla beans used for the same volume of single-fold extract. This results in a more concentrated (double-strength) extract. Pure vanilla extract. No artificial flavors or preservatives added.

Splitting the beans exposes the seeds to the alcohol and speeds extraction but avoids the funky flavors introduced when chopping up the pods. Splitting was so effective that the extract didn't even need to circulate for a full 24 hours—just 18 was enough for the extract to taste sufficiently vanilla infused.

You can use vanilla beans for extract more than once, which makes them a gift that keeps on giving. Just know that the flavor will get weaker over time. Many recommend using them no more than four times.

Let sit for at least 2 months. The longer the vanilla sits, the stronger the flavor will be. While it's sitting, give the jar a shake every week, or as often as you can remember.

According to the FDA, vanilla extract is a mixture of vanilla scent and flavor characteristic, and alcohol. To be exact, the FDA requires an ethyl alcohol content of at least 35% for a product to be considered vanilla extract.

While vodka is commonly used for making vanilla extract because of its neutral flavor, you can experiment with other spirits like rum, bourbon, tequila, or mezcal to add different flavor profiles.

Vodka: The most popular choice because it produces the most pure vanilla flavor since this alcohol has virtually no taste and can be used in any applications. Everclear: 190 proof Everclear should be diluted 1:1 with distilled water to bring it down to 95 proof. 151 proof Everclear should be diluted 1:.

But BEWARE the trap of buying flavored vodkas for vanilla extract. They don't always marry well with vanilla beans and the result can be disheartening. Stick with plain Smirnoff and you'll do just fine. Ciroc - A five-times distilled French vodka will deliver a beautiful, pure extract.