Large Batch Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe with Vodka
Once I started making my own homemade vanilla extract, I never looked back. With just vodka and vanilla beans, you can create a rich, flavorful extract that’s perfect for from-scratch baking. With this large batch homemade vanilla extract recipe you’ll have plenty to keep your pantry stocked, bottle up as thoughtful homemade gifts, and enjoy for months to come, making it a simple and budget-friendly staple for any home baker or homesteader.
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I started making my own homemade vanilla extract years ago to save money. When you cook and bake from scratch, you can go through a good bit of vanilla extract. We use it frequently in our buckwheat waffles, almond flour pancakes, no bake mini cheesecakes, homemade berry sauce, and maple sweetened whipped cream. Purchasing vanilla extract can really get expensive! Once I started making my own vanilla extract, I realized that it’s so simple and mostly hands-off. The hardest part is waiting for it to be ready!
As with any bulk pantry-stocking ingredient, there is the larger upfront cost to get started, but it’s worth it because of how much money you’ll save in the long run by not buying all those little bottles of pre-made extract. I’m able to make my own vanilla extract for about $0.58 an ounce in 2026, not including the cost of bottles. The cost will obviously vary a bit by location, primarily due to the cost of the vodka.
Speaking of buying vodka, for some this is no big deal at all, and I know for others finding and purchasing vodka can feel a bit awkward at first. That was the case for me—I did not know what I was doing at all!
In the state of Pennsylvania, where I live, you can only purchase vodka from the state liquor stores. I nervously went in, and I can assure you no one cared (except me! lol), and it was no big deal. I did see that they will ship it to your house now, so that’s a nice option. I have no idea how it works in other states and countries, so you’ll have to do some research to see what your options are.
I make a batch once a year and that is plenty for my needs. It usually works out great because by the time I’m done using up my vanilla from one batch, the next one that’s been brewing for the previous 9 to 12 months is ready to go! I never run out using this method. Making this large batch homemade vanilla extract recipe is one of the most effortless ways to save money and stock your pantry with a from scratch pantry staple!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
Only Two Ingredients-You only need vanilla beans and vodka to make real, pure vanilla extract.
Perfect for Frequent Bakers-If you bake often, making your own homemade vanilla extract can save you money, plus you’ll always have plenty on hand.
Makes a Great Homemade Gift-A batch produces enough vanilla extract to fill lots of smaller bottles, making nice little gifts for teachers, Christmas, birthdays, or even wedding favors.
Long Shelf Life-Unlike many homemade foods, vanilla extract lasts for years because the alcohol naturally preserves it.
What is Homemade Vanilla Extract?
Homemade vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol over several months. During that time, the alcohol draws out the flavor compounds from the beans. That whole process is called extraction.
Unlike imitation vanilla, which is made with synthetic vanillin, pure vanilla extract contains many naturally occurring compounds that create a deep, complex flavor.
How Much Does It Cost to Make This Large Batch of Vanilla Extract?
This large batch of vanilla extract is very economical to make especially when you compare this recipe to the prices of pure vanilla extract at the store or online. I’m confident that most people will be able to save money by making this recipe. The biggest variable in cost will likely be how much vodka costs in your area. Here’s a look at how much this recipe costs me to make.
Cheap vodka: my cost ranges anywhere from $10 to $15 for a 1.75-liter bottle. So, I’ll use the higher number of $15.
Vanilla beans: these vanilla beans cost $38 on Amazon
- 2 bottles of vodka: $30
- 50 vanilla beans: $38
- Total: $68
This recipe yields about 118 ounces.
- $68÷118 ounces=$0.58 per ounce
It costs me only $0.58 an ounce to make! That is significantly cheaper than anything I can buy and saves a lot of money! This price does not include any bottles, or labels so you’ll have to factor that into your cost.
Most vanilla extract is sold in 2, 4, and 8-ounce bottles, so I’ll calculate the cost in those amounts below for comparison, again not including the cost of the bottles.
Cost of making this vanilla extract recipe in sizes comparable to the grocery store:
2 ounces-$1.16
4 ounces-$2.32
8 ounces-$4.64
Try comparing that to how much vanilla extract costs where you live, and if you’re like me, you’ll find that making your own is significantly cheaper!
It does take some time for the vanilla extract to be ready, but it is absolutely worth the wait!
What You’ll Need to Make This Vanilla Extract
Ingredients:
Vodka
Vodka is very popular for making homemade vanilla extract because it has a clean, neutral flavor. You don’t need expensive vodka. I usually buy whatever is cheap. Look for one that contains 40% alcohol (80 proof) and be sure you’re not buying a flavored vodka.
A note for those who are gluten-free: Most plain vodkas are considered gluten-free because the distillation process removes gluten proteins. If you have celiac disease or are concerned about cross-contamination, I’d recommend choosing a vodka specifically labeled gluten-free that’s usually made from potatoes, grapes, or corn.
Vanilla Beans
You can use grade A or grade B vanilla beans. I used Madagascar vanilla beans, but I’ll discuss the different varieties of vanilla beans in the next section if you’re interested. Fresh vanilla beans should feel soft and flexible rather than dry and brittle, and they’ll also have a slightly oily surface.
I’ve been really happy with the beans I’ve gotten from Native Vanilla. You can also find their beans on Amazon.
Equipment:
Large Glass Jar with a TIGHT-FITTING Lid
It’s best to use a glass container, not plastic. My favorite jar for this large batch of vanilla extract is a one-gallon jar with a lid that screws on nice and tight. I was gifted mine by my mother-in-law, but here is one that I found on Amazon just like the one I use and love. Another option would be to use two half-gallon mason jars.
Kitchen Scissors
Funnel (optional)
Best Vanilla Beans for Homemade Vanilla Extract
Madagascar Vanilla Beans
These are the most commonly used vanilla beans when making vanilla extract, and for good reason. They produce the rich, classic, sweet, vanilla flavor that most people recognize in vanilla-flavored baked goods.
If you’re not sure which variety to get, I’d start with these.
Tahitian Vanilla Beans
Tahitian vanilla beans have a lighter, floral aroma with fruity notes.
Mexican Vanilla Beans
Mexican vanilla beans are less sweet than Madagascar beans and have a warm, slightly spicy, almost smoky flavor.
Can I Mix Vanilla Beans?
Yes. Many people mix different varieties to create a unique, complex, customized flavor.
What Type of Alcohol Should I Use to Make Vanilla Extract?
For someone who doesn’t know all about alcohol, it can feel confusing when selecting an alcohol to use in your vanilla extract. I am in that group, so this info isn’t coming from an expert—just someone doing research and sharing my personal experience making vanilla extract!
Ok, I know the recipe title includes vodka, so why are we going over this? This recipe uses vodka, but in case you’re interested in trying something different, here are some options.
Vodka
Vodka is a neutral spirit that produces a clean, traditional vanilla extract. It doesn’t add a flavor, so the vanilla beans can steal the show!
Bourbon
Bourboncan be a great choice because it can have a hint of vanilla flavor all on its own. That flavor comes from the barrels the whiskey ages in. Bourbon can also naturally have flavors of caramel, toasted oak, and hints of spice. Those flavors can all blend really well with the vanilla beans, but it will change the overall flavor in the final extract.
I think I’ll try some bourbon in my next batch!
Rum
White Rum adds a clean, subtle sweetness.
Gold Rumadds warm flavors like caramel, toffee, and butterscotch notes.
Dark Rumadds a bold, deep, complex flavor with molasses, oak, and spice notes. The flavor of this rum can overpower the vanilla beans, so you may want to consider mixing it with something more neutral like vodka.
Brandy
Brandy is a distilled wine spirit, so it contributes fruity notes to the vanilla extract. While not nearly as common for making vanilla extract, I think it sounds like it could be a fun one to try.
Which Alcohol Should You Choose?
If you’re making your first batch—or if you want an extract that works well in almost every recipe—vodka is the best choice because it produces the most versatile vanilla flavor.
How to Make This Large Batch of Homemade Vanilla Extract
Making vanilla extract is so simple, go ahead and grab your vanilla beans, vodka, kitchen scissors, and glass jar and let’s get started.
First, using your kitchen scissors cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise leaving about a half inch intact at the top. This exposes all of the vanilla bean goodness. The pictures below demonstrate this.
Place all of the vanilla beans in the jar. If you’re using two smaller jars, simply divide the vanilla beans evenly.
Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans. You can use a funnel if needed.
Place a tight-fitting lid on the jar and give it a good shake.
Place the jar in a cool, dark place and every month or two give it a shake. If you forget (like I do) it’s perfectly fine—mine still turns out great.
This is what it looks like after about 9 months. Look at that gorgeous color!
After enough time has passed and you’re happy with the flavor, you can pour the vanilla extract into smaller bottles for convenience. I find it’s easier to pour from a small bottle into a teaspoon instead of pouring from a gallon jar, and it frees up my gallon jar for my next batch. It’s ideal to store your vanilla extract in a dark glass container. You can find amber glass bottles online. I’ll link to them below.
These sized bottles are also great for gifting!
I’ve also used pint-sized mason jars to store my finished extract in as well. While not as handy for pouring, they work and I always have extra jars on hand. Just be sure to place them in a dark area since they are clear glass.
Don’t forget to label and date your vanilla extract. I like to use the date that I started my batch, instead of the date that I bottled it. Even though vanilla extract lasts a long time, and you’ll likely use it up quickly, it’s still nice to know the date so that you can rotate through your extract from oldest to newest.
What do you do with those leftover beans?Don’t throw them away! You could infuse sugar with them and make vanilla sugar. You can dehydrate them and use them in baking recipes as you need them. Or some people reuse them by just adding more vodka and making another batch of extract. I haven’t personally done that, as I like the strongest batch possible, so I always start with new beans, but many people do reuse them. If that sounds like something you’d like to do, I say go for it!
How Long Does Homemade Vanilla Extract Take?
Vanilla extract is pretty flexible. You could start using it after just 3 months of infusing the vanilla beans for a nice, light vanilla flavor, but for the best, deep, rich flavor aim for 9 to 12 months.
- Around 3 months: a nice light flavor
- Around 6 months: good everyday extract
- Around 12 months or more: deeper, richer flavor
Tips for the Best Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Keep beans fully submerged so they don’t dry out or mold, although molding is unlikely because of the alcohol.
- Cut the beans in halfto expose all the goodness on the inside of the vanilla bean.
- Store the jar away from direct light,like the inside of a cabinet or closet.
- Label the jar when you start it,time goes by quickly!
- Patience is the hardest partbut remember that the flavor improves over time.
How to Store Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract should be stored in a cabinet or pantry away from heat and light. I place mine in a kitchen cabinet.
Vanilla extract should be stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. An amber colored bottle would be best, although I’ve had success using clear glass and keeping it in a dark cabinet.
Vanilla extract doesn’t need refrigeration and actually shouldn’t be placed in the fridge or freezer at all. On the shelf in a cool, dark place is best.
How Long Does Vanilla Extract Last?
Vanilla lasts for a very long time, like many years. Some even say it doesn’t really ever expire. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative.
How to Use Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract can be substituted one-to-one for store-bought pure vanilla extract in any recipe. Its rich flavor makes it a staple for everything from baked goods to homemade desserts and breakfast favorites.
Try it in:
- Homemade Berry Sauce
- Homemade Whipped Cream
- Almond Flour Pancakes
- Gluten-free Mini No Bake Cheesecakes
- Crispy Buckwheat Waffles
Vanilla Extract is Great for Gifting
Another way to use up all this vanilla extract is to share it with the people you love! It makes a great gift for home bakers and foodies! Give it as a birthday or Christmas gift, to teachers, or as favors for bridal showers, baby showers or even weddings! Tie on a cute ribbon or make a twine bow, add a label, and it’s ready to gift!
Large Batch Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe with Vodka
Equipment
- 1 (1-gallon) glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or 2 (½-gallon) Mason jars with lids
- Kitchen scissors
- Permanent marker and label
- Funnel (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 1.75-liter bottles plain vodka (80 proof/40% alcohol)
- 50 Madagascar vanilla beans or your favorite variety of vanilla bean
Instructions
- Using kitchen scissors, carefully split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving about ½ inch at one end intact so the bean stays together.
- Place the vanilla beans into a 1-gallon glass jar or divide them evenly between two ½-gallon Mason jars.
- Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans, making sure they are completely submerged.
- Secure the lid tightly and gently shake the jar.
- Label the jar with the date it was made.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark cabinet or pantry.
- Shake the jar every month or two while it ages. If you forget to shake it occasionally, don’t worry—it will still develop a wonderful flavor.
- After about 3 months, the extract will have a light vanilla flavor. Around 6 months, it’s ready for everyday baking. For the richest, most complex flavor, allow it to age for 9 to 12 months before using.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade vanilla extract take to make?
Homemade vanilla extract needs time for the alcohol to extract the flavor from the vanilla beans. While you may notice a vanilla aroma after a few weeks, I recommend letting it infuse for at least 6 months for a rich, well-developed flavor. For the best results, allow it to age for 9 to 12 months. The longer it sits, the darker and more flavorful it becomes.
Why is vodka the best alcohol for homemade vanilla extract?
Vodka is the most popular choice because it has a neutral flavor that lets the vanilla beans shine. Unlike bourbon or rum, vodka doesn’t add its own sweetness, caramel, or smoky notes, making it a versatile vanilla extract that works well in cookies, cakes, frostings, pancakes, and almost any recipe that calls for vanilla.
What are the best vanilla beans for homemade vanilla extract?
Madagascar vanilla beans are my favorite because they produce the rich, classic vanilla flavor most people expect in baked goods. However, Tahitian vanilla beans have a lighter floral flavor, while Mexican vanilla beans offer warm, slightly spicy notes. Any of these varieties can make delicious homemade vanilla extract, so choose the flavor profile you enjoy most.
Can I reuse vanilla beans to make another batch?
Yes! You can add more vodka to the used beans and make another batch of vanilla extract, although the flavor will not be as potent as the first batch. You could add a few new vanilla beans to the second batch to help the flavor be stronger or just enjoy it as is.
Does homemade vanilla extract need to be refrigerated?
No. Because vanilla extract contains alcohol, it doesn’t need refrigeration. Store it in a tightly sealed bottle or jar in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat.
Why does this recipe make such a large batch?
I like making a gallon at a time because vanilla extract takes months to mature, and we use it regularly throughout the year. A large batch ensures I always have plenty on hand for baking and sharing homemade gifts. Since properly stored vanilla extract keeps for years, making a larger batch can also be a convenient and cost-effective option.
Can I make a half of a batch?
Yes! This large-batch recipe can easily be scaled down if you don’t want to make a full gallon. Simply keep the same ratio of vanilla beans to vodka. Whether you’re making one cup or one gallon, using the correct proportion of beans to alcohol will help ensure a rich, flavorful homemade vanilla extract. This makes it easy to prepare a smaller batch for your own kitchen or a larger batch for gift giving and long-term pantry storage.
Can I use homemade vanilla extract for my family?
Yes, homemade vanilla extract is used the same way as store-bought pure vanilla extract. Because recipes usually call for only a small amount, each serving contains very little alcohol. In baked recipes, much of the alcohol evaporates during the baking process. I personally feel comfortable using it for my whole family, but if you’re not you can use an alcohol-free vanilla flavoring. Or you could try using vanilla bean paste or powder.
Does homemade vanilla extract contain alcohol?
Yes. Homemade vanilla extract is made by infusing vanilla beans in vodka or another distilled spirit, so it does contain alcohol. However, recipes typically use only a small amount—often just 1 to 2 teaspoons in an entire batch of cookies, muffins, or cake. In baked recipes, much of the alcohol evaporates during baking, while recipes that aren’t baked, such as frosting or whipped cream, will retain more of the alcohol. I personally feel comfortable using it for my whole family, but if you’re not you can use an alcohol-free vanilla flavoring. Or you could try using vanilla bean paste or powder.
Is homemade vanilla extract made with vodka gluten-free?
Yes! Vanilla beans are gluten-free and most plain vodkas are considered gluten-free because the distillation process removes gluten proteins. If you have celiac disease or are concerned about cross-contamination, I’d recommend choosing a vodka specifically labeled gluten-free that’s usually made from potatoes, grapes, or corn.
Does homemade vanilla extract ever go bad?
Properly stored homemade vanilla extract has a very long shelf life. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative, so the extract can last for many years.
