I made homemade vanilla extract for my mom, mother-in-law, and myself for Christmas this year. I started it in October since it needs at least two months to age. It takes:
Cheap vodka
Vanilla beans (I used Madagascar vanilla beans) – 3 bean pods per 8 oz of vodka
Clean, sterile bottle(s)
I sliced the vanilla bean pods in half lengthwise then dropped them into the clean bottle.
Next, I poured the vodka in over the vanilla beans. Once that was done I sealed the bottles and let them sit on a shelf in a cool, dark area. About once a week I’d shake the bottles so the vanilla and vodka would mix. Two months later…
gorgeous vanilla extract ready for gifting! Simple, inexpensive, and a fun gift!