If you bake even occasionally, vanilla extract is a must-have. But once you’ve made your own? You’ll never want to go back to the store-bought stuff again. I know I didn’t!

Homemade vanilla extract is richer, more aromatic, and free from added sugar or artificial flavorings. It takes just two ingredients, and some patience.

I love anything and everything vanilla, so I just HAD to try making my own extract. Now, I have about 6 jars going at all times; I love it that much!

This post includes two versions: one with vodka, which is more of the traditional method to making extract, and one with glycerin, a gentle, alcohol-free option that I am quite fond of. Both work great and are easy beginner-friendly recipes to try out.

Why Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?

Making your own vanilla extract:

Saves money over time
Uses whole, real ingredients
Has incredible depth of flavor you just can’t find anywhere else
Makes the best homemade gifts for friends

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Option 1: Classic Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Based)

First, here is how to make vanilla extract using alcohol.

Ingredients:

1 ounce vanilla beans (about 6-8 beans)
8 ounces vodka (or rum, bourbon, or brandy)

Instructions

Slice or split your vanilla beans lengthwise to expose the seeds (optional, but I love the added caviar in the extract). Add the beans to a clean glass bottle or jar.

Pour vodka over the beans until fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and shake.

Let it sit in a cool, dark place for 6-12 months, shaking occasionally. The longer you leave it, the more flavor you’ll get.

Strain (or leave the beans in and just top off as needed) and enjoy!

Option 2: Glycerin-Based Vanilla Extract

Here is how to make an alcohol-free vanilla extract, using glycerin:

Ingredients:

1 ounce vanilla beans (about 4-6 beans depending on what type you get)
3/4 cup food-grade vegetable glycerin
1/4 cup water

Instructions

Chop or split the vanilla beans and add to a clean glass jar.

Mix the glycerin and water, then pour over the beans until fully covered. Seal tightly and shake well.

Store in a cool, dark place and let infuse for 8-12 months. Shake weekly and strain once the flavor reaches your liking. Note: Glycerin extract is thicker and a bit sweeter naturally. It’s alcohol-free and safe for kids, gifts, and anyone avoiding alcohol for health or lifestyle reasons.

Homemade vanilla extract in a glass jar with vanilla beans.

Notes:

You can reuse the beans from extract to make vanilla paste or add to vanilla sugar.
If you leave the beans in the bottle, you can top off with more vodka or glycerin over time.
Both extracts will last for years if kept sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.

top view of the homemade vanilla extract tin jar

How I Use It

I use this vanilla in everything, baked oatmeal, cookies, muffins, you name it! It’s also one of my favorite handmade gifts. So many people have thanked me for gifting it to them and wanted to learn how I made it too!

It’s a gift that usually keeps on giving for generations to come.

Vanilla Extract

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Materials

Alcohol Version

1 ounce vanilla beans (about 6-8 beans)
8 ounces vodka (or rum, bourbon, or brandy)

Glycerin Version

1 ounce vanilla beans (about 6-8 beans depending on what type you get)
3/4 cup food-grade vegetable glycerin
1/4 cup water

Tools

Instructions

Chop or split the vanilla beans and add to a clean glass jar.
Pour either the alcohol or glycerin/water over the top of the beans, making sure they are fully covered.
Store in a cool, dark place and let infuse for 8-12 months. Shake weekly and strain once the flavor reaches your liking.

Notes

You can reuse the beans from extract to make vanilla paste or add to vanilla sugar.
If you leave the beans in the bottle, you can top off with more vodka or glycerin over time.
Both extracts will last for years if kept sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.
Glycerin extract is thicker and a bit sweeter naturally. It’s alcohol-free and safe for kids, gifts, and anyone avoiding alcohol for health or lifestyle reasons.

Final Thoughts

Homemade vanilla extract is one of those simple, DIYs that even beginners can’t mess up! Whether you go with vodka or glycerin, the process is the same: just whole ingredients, a jar, and time.

Let me know what method you prefer to use if you make some!