Did you know vanilla extract is versatile? It’s not just for baking – you can also use it in cocktails, smoothies, and more! Sometimes, I like to mix it with vodka to create a delicious vanilla vodka recipe, or even use it as bitters. The amazing aroma it adds is an extra bonus! Making your own vanilla extract is easy – it’s like magic in a bottle. Who said vanilla was boring? It’s anything but “vanilla”.
Ingredients
8 vanilla beans pods
8 ounces of vodka
Magic takes time. One ounce of vodka to one vanilla bean is my best ratio to date. Split each individual vanilla bean pods with a pairing knife and scrape sticky seeds with the back of the knife (they will stick to the knife) and then scrape into the bottle’s lid. After, add the open vanilla pods to the bottle. Then comes the good stuff. Add the vodka. Cap and shake. Write the date on a piece of hot pink duct tape (my go-to) and stick it to the bottle. Make sure all pods are covered. If pods aren’t covered completely standing upright (which mine are not) side resting is best. Store in a cool dark place for a least a month. I chose my spice cabinet. An empty clean Roku gin bottle makes a pretty vanilla bottle don’t you think?
