As of today, 24 May, 2025 28 July, 2025 20 October, 2025, this is what we believe to be best practices. Anything in italics is opinion, which, at this moment, is most of what we “know”.
To make 8 oz of Vanilla Extract, use between 0.75 oz and 1.0 oz of vanilla bean pods. Use this chart to choose the appropriate amount for the bottle you are building. I’m building a 200ml bottle, so I weighed out between 2/3 (0.67) and 3/4 (0.75) oz.
The Left Column is the quantity of alcohol in standard bottles. The other measures on that line are the range of how many ounces or grams of vanilla bean pods to add to the measured quantity of alcohol to make Single Strength Vanilla Extract. For example, 200 milliliters (ml) is the equivalent of 6.76 fluid ounces (oz). The range of pods by weight to use in a 200 ml bottle for single-strength vanilla is 2/3 to 3/4 ounces or 20 to 25 grams. All weights are rounded to a nice, round number.
Our tests indicate that Grade B pods tends to produce the best Vanilla Extract, but Grade A pods can be used to make an excellent Vanilla Extract, too.
Split the pods with a knife and cut them into pieces short enough to lay flat on the bottom of the container. If they are too long, as you use your extract, the tips may be exposed to air and potentially spoil.
Cover the cut and split vanilla bean pods with Vodka. So far, every brand of Vodka tested has produced a good Vanilla Extract, but there is a positive difference in using a mid-grade Vodka such as Absolut vs a cheap Vodka such as Skol. Let it sit for a minimum of three four months, shaking the bottle every week or so to agitate the extract. The Vanilla Extract will continue to strengthen for at least twelve months.
If you wish, you may replenish the vodka in the bottle as you use the Vanilla Extract. The length of time for the extract to return to full strength is not known, nor is the number of times this can be done without adversely effecting the quality of the Vanilla Extract.
This is one of a series I have been building on weekly intervals. The furthest left is a new bottle with no vanilla pods. Next is the one we built today. The furthest right is one made four weekends ago. You can see how the extraction process is proceeding week-to-week.
Updates:
- 06 June, 2025 for clarity and to add pictures.
- 28 July, 2025 – Mid-grade Vodka is preferred over cheap Vodka
- 20 October, 2025 – Grade B vanilla bean pods produce a slightly better Vanilla Extract, and it is recommended to wait four months.
