How To Make Vanilla Vodka

How To Make Vanilla Infused Vodka

wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 11 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 143,124 times.

Vanilla infused vodka is simple to make at home. It’s ideal as a standalone drink or for adding to a variety of cocktail mixes.

Choosing The Right Ingredients

Vanilla pods are entirely different. Most consumers have no experience purchasing them, thus have no frame of reference. Most buyers tend to overspend in this area. Vanilla quality is graded, based on how plump and juicy the beans are. Grade A is the highest quality, and is most expensive. Grade A is overkill for what we are doing here. Grade B vanilla beans are perfect.

Why Make Vanilla Extract With Different Spirits

Most premium grade, pure vanilla extract producers use inexpensive sugar & corn alcohol to extract vanilla from their beans. Using a premium bean is step one. But unless you have extracted the vanilla essential oils from the bean using a premium aged and distilled spirit, then you arent experiencing the full taste profile of the vanilla bean.

Vanilla beans have over 300 flavor compounds and in a consumers short-sighted rush to just get vanilla extract, she/he misses the true flavor experience that a pure vanilla extract can offer. So, we have taken our time and, through trial and error, we have found the perfect spirits to extract the vanilla from our premium vanilla beans. See for yourself by comparing any of our vanilla extracts in rum, vodka or bourbon.

Minimizing the importance of premium spirits when extracting vanilla is usually a cost strategy. Thats why inexpensive moonshine is most frequently used. But, for those of you who drink on occasion, you know first-hand the difference between good and bad spirits. Cheap spirits produce lower-quality vanilla extract. Period. So lets not cut corners and, instead, lets create vanilla that has been extracted with distilled, aged spirits.

Why Vodka?

First of all, vodka is the most common distilled spirit for use with mixed drinks and cocktails. Why? Primarily because a good, distilled vodka is tasteless and odorless, allowing the other flavors within the drink to become the focus.

Why Rum?

Don’t Miss: What Is The Most Expensive Patron Tequila

What Is Vanilla Vodka

Vanilla vodka is vodka that has been infused with vanilla beans.

There are many commercially available vanilla vodka brands, including Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, Absolut Vanilla, Grey Goose La Vanille, Stolichnaya Stoli Vanil, Ciroc French Vanilla Vodka, Pinnacle Vanilla Vodka and SVEDKA Vanilla Flavored Vodka.

Why Is The Vodka Gold In Colour

The vanilla vodka takes on this gorgeous golden colour from the vanilla pods themselves. As they infuse the vodka with thier gorgeous warming sweet flavour the vanilla also colours the vodka with that pretty golden shade.

Quite honestly you dont need the flakes of gold thats just to make this vodka infusion just that wee bit more special.

Read Also: How Many Bottles Of Patron Guillermo Del Toro Were Made

Don’t Miss: Cruzan 151 Rum Discontinued

Its Stupid Simple I Promise

You literally only need two ingredients, a jar and time.

For the Vodka I used Titos Vodka because its such a smooth, great tasting vodka. However feel free to use whatever you have in your liquor cabinet.

The vanilla beans I used are Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans that i picked up in my local Loblaws Grocery Store. They are natural, organic and have a rich vanilla flavour.

You can use any jar or bottle you have in your cupboards, but I found this cute one at my local dollar store and couldnt resist. It has a little chalkboard sticker label on the front so I can label the contents. Excuse my messy handwriting!

Should I Add The Vanilla Beans To The Jars Of My Finished Extract

Something I like to do is trim the vanilla beans to the height of the small bottles and add two pieces in the 2-ounce jars and 4 pieces in the 4-ounce jars. That means the extract will continue to increase in flavor as it sits.

Plus it just looks neat for anyone youre giving these jars to it looks high quality and professional.

But you can also use those extracted vanilla beans for another delicious purpose.keep reading below..

You May Like: How To Infuse Vodka With Fruit

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

The most difficult part of making Homemade Vanilla Vodka is the waiting. You need to submerge the vanilla beans in the vodka and let them soak. One week is good, but after two weeks the vanilla is so much more rich. I promise you the wait is worth it.

Now that Ive patiently waited my two weeks it is ready to enjoy! Stay tuned for all the yummy Vanilla Vodka Cocktails to come. In the meantime check out these other great cocktails in my Summer Cocktail Series:

How Long Does Vanilla Extract Need To Age

Aside from the quality of the vanilla beans themselves, the most important factor that determines the quality of your finished vanilla extract is how long you allow the vanilla extract to age.

While you can use it in as little as 8 weeks the flavor becomes vastly superior the longer it ages. Optimally you should wait at least 6 months and for the best results wait 12 months.

I make a large batch every year and then use the previous years batch for my own use and for gifts. 12-month aged pure vanilla extract its gold! Im currently using 24-month aged vanilla its even better!

When the extract is ready pour it into the bottles. You can use any size you like.

As mentioned earlier, I like to use the standard 2-ounce and 4-ounce jar sizes as gifts.

Place the funnel in the jars and pour in the extract, leaving a little headspace.

Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Empress 1908 Gin

How To Make Vanilla Vodka With Real Gold Flakes

By Karon Grieve

This gorgeous golden vanilla vodka sounds like something from a James Bond movie. Rich and warming with vanilla spice this homemade vodka infusion is the business!

Flavoured gins and vodkas are all the rage and this golden vanilla vodka is just a wee bit special.

Not only does this vodka have that sweet and warming taste of vanilla but it has flakes of real edible gold that sparkle in the light.

Like a snowglobe for grown-ups, shake the bottle and see the gold dance! Actually this golden vanilla vodka looks amazing in a glass when you add a dash of tonic and the tiny flecks of gold rash around in the glass glittering in the light.

Can You Add Vanilla Extract To Vodka To Make Vanilla Vodka

4.8/5vanilla extractvanillaputvanillavodkayouyou

Consequently, is there vodka in vanilla extract?

80 proof Alcohol: Vanilla extract is most commonly made from vodka, but you can use bourbon, brandy, or rum instead.

Furthermore, how do you make vodka out of vanilla vodka? How To Make Vanilla Vodka

Also question is, what can I substitute for vanilla vodka?

If you do not have vanilla vodka, substitute 1 cup regular vodka and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Can you use 100 proof vodka to make vanilla?

Vodka has the most neutral flavor, but you can also use bourbon, brandy, or rum to create unique extracts. There’s no need to use a top-shelf or high-proof alcohol when making vanilla extract. An inexpensive 40% alcohol will work just fine.

Recommended Reading: What To Mix Pinnacle Whipped Vodka With

Which Vanilla Beans Are Best For Making Vanilla Extract

Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are the most popular and what I use by far the most. Another option is Tahitian vanilla beans. A third option is Mexican vanilla beans. Each have their own subtle nuances.

• Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla what most people associate with vanilla flavor. Full, creamy, sweet and mellow flavor with long-lasting flavor tones.
• Tahitian Vanilla floral aroma with cherry-like, licorice and caramel flavor tones.
• Mexican Vanilla both sweet and woody flavor tones with spicy hint of cloves and nutmeg.

You can experience how the difference between the Madagascar and Mexican vanilla beans play out in our classic Pots de Creme and Mexican Pots de Creme recipes.

Depending on which beans you use can make your choice of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract, Tahitian Vanilla Extract or Mexican Vanilla Extract. How fun is that?

Can I Make This Bailys Martini Without Alcohol

Unfortunately, it would be very difficult to replicate the exact flavors of this martini without any of the alcohol. I suggest saving this cocktail for just the grown-ups and making a second option for the kids to enjoy.

If youre looking for a good holiday drink that can be made as both a cocktail and a mocktail, I highly suggest you try out my favorite Rudolphs Tipsy Spritzer.

You May Like: Best Ways To Drink Tequila

Read Also: What Proof Is Gray Goose Vodka

The Best Way To Use Vanilla Beans

Vanilla extract is an essential ingredient in baking. Without it, recipes seem flat and muted. Even when vanilla isn’t the main attraction in baked goods, it helps elevate other flavors. If you want more control over the flavor and quality of this foundational ingredient, you need to know how to make vanilla extract.

Learning how to make vanilla extract is easier than you think, and youll end up with a unique blend thats perfect for your baking.

How Many Beans To Use

We generally recommend using 1 to 3 beans for every 6 ounces of vanilla extract. If you opt for small 4-ounce bottles, like the ones above, 1 fresh bean is typically sufficient.

Use more beans if you want a more robust flavor and a darker-colored extract.

Also opt for 3 vanilla beans for every 6 ounces if the beans youre using feel slightly stiff or look dry. This means theyre likely more than a few months old. Older beans dont have quite as much flavor potential as fresh beans, so err on the side of using more in these cases.

Note: To technically be classified as vanilla extract according to FDA standards, a slightly higher proportion of vanilla beans to liquid must be used. When preparing in our home kitchens we prefer the amounts listed here, but please feel free to experiment with the amount of vanilla beans used to your desired preference

Recommended Reading: What Proof Is Patron Tequila

St Germain Vodka Tonic

Heres a summer vodka cocktail you wont be able to stop sipping. Try this elderflower cocktail! The flavor here is so refreshing, so perfectly balanced, that its almost impossible not to take another sip. The secret? St Germain, that irresistible elderflower liqueur! Combine it with vodka, lemon and tonic water, and its a beautiful blend of botanical, sweet tart, bright and bubbly.

Faq’s About Making Vanilla Extract

What is the Difference between Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Essense?

Vanilla extract has a stronger, purer vanilla flavour. While Vanilla essence is made using artificial flavours and colours. There’s quite a difference in taste between the two with Vanilla Extract being the best flavour, especially when home made.

How is Vanilla Extract Made?

One of the ways Vanilla Extract is made is by soaking Vanilla Beans in Alcohol for several months, allowing all the flavours to infuse.

How Many Vanilla Beans to Make Extract?

A minimum of 6 large Vanilla Beans is needed to make a small 250ml bottle of Vanilla Extract. However, the Vanilla Beans themselves will take up some of the volume.

Read Also: Members Mark Premium American Vodka

Making Homemade Vanilla Extract

Once you have your ingredients, the process to make homemade vanilla extract with vodka is simple.

Add the vodka to the bottles you are using.

Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. Divide the beans into the bottles. Close the bottle. Give it a shake.

Then put it in a dark, cool place for 4-6 months. Give that bottle a shake every few weeks to mix things up.

And then, voila! Your extract will be ready to use or gift just in time for the holidays.

More Cocktails With Vanilla Vodka

Vodka is the vanilla of the spirits world it goes with anything. And vanilla isthe vanilla of the flavor world. It pairs well with most any flavor. So there are plenty of cocktails you can make if youve got a bottle of vanilla vodka just begging to be used.

• Taste the tropics by adding vanilla vodka to a key lime martini.
• If you wish lemon meringue pie had a bit more of a kick, youll love the lemon meringue martini.
• Like boozy milkshakes? How about a chocolate malt?
• Enjoy a taste of the holidays with a pumpkin pie martini.
• Have a delicious hot caramel apple cocktail and feel like a kid again.

Recommended Reading: Empress Gin 1908 Near Me

Read Also: Where To Buy Chattanooga Whiskey

How To Make Cinnamon Vanilla Infused Vodka Recipe

Crave Editorial Team Read More

An infused vodka recipe can add a lot of flavor to desserts or cocktails. Your base spirit-usually vodka, white whisky, or another neutral spirit-will set the tone for a really great infusion recipe. Choosing a high quality spirit that is smooth, clean, and lacking in harsh heat or burn will allow the added flavors to shine. Try this spicy, floral, sweet recipe for cinnamon vanilla vodka in a Smores martini, chocolate pot de creme, a fall dessert, or instead of rum in your favorite eggnog!

Cinnamon Vanilla Infused Vodka Recipe

Ingredients:

Cherry Vanilla Vodka Soda

When it comes to cocktails, I love them light, refreshing and not too sweet. Whether its for happy hour with my girlfriends on my back deck or a relaxing Saturday night in with my husband, I love getting creative with mixology such as this vanilla cherry twist on the classic vodka soda cocktail.

Made with just a few simple ingredients and low in sugar and calories, a vodka soda the perfect way to treat yourself without breaking the calorie bank. I believe firmly in moderation, which is why I created so many lighter, healthier versions of my favorite recipes such as my Skinny Grapefruit Margarita.

Spring is the perfect time to make an afternoon more enjoyable with a flavorful cocktail. Feel free to throw in a cute straw or garnish and enjoy.

You May Like: What To Mix With Effen Blood Orange Vodka

Where To Buy Vanilla Beans

Whats homemade vanilla extract without vanilla beans?

Although vanilla beans are sometimes available in the grocery store, you will pay top dollar there for just a few beans. Instead, head online where you can find more reasonable prices for the number of beans you need. In the past, I have purchased vanilla beans from eBay. But more recently, I have been ordering from Etsy.

When you are looking at listings, youll see beans labeled at Grade A or Grade B. Grade A is the highest quality long beans that are flexible and fragrant. Grade B beans will be less pliable and can be challenging to cut open, but they will still make a good extract. Grade C beans are the stiffest of the beans and may be cracked or split. I dont recommend Grade C beans for this recipe.

Youll also see that there are different types of origins, like Madagascar, Tahitian or Indonesian. Each one has its own unique flavor profile. Slofoodgroup has an excellent vanilla bean primer that will help you decide which ones are preferable to your tastes.

When ordering, take care not to order too much. Youll want as much as youll use in the vanilla extract . Vanilla beans will become progressively less fresh over a few months.

Single Fold Vs Double Fold Vanilla Extract Whats The Difference

Single-fold vanilla extract is what most reputable manufacturers of good vanilla extract make. In order to be considered commercial grade extract, single-fold extract is required to use 13 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon of vodka or whatever kind of alcohol is being used.

Double-fold vanilla extracts are what many professional bakers prefer to use because it provides a much stronger, more concentrated vanilla flavor that you cant get simply by doubling the amount of vanilla extract you use. Its wonderfully potent and gives baked goods and desserts a much richer vanilla flavor. Commercially sold double-fold vanilla extract is required to be made with with 23 ounces of beans per gallon of alcohol . And double-fold vanilla extract comes with an even bigger price tag than single-fold.

So the choice is yours depending on your needs. You can either make single- or double-fold vanilla extract and either way you go it will be much cheaper than store-bought. And its so easy to do!

I like to make larger quantities to extract to allow them to age for at least a year before using it.

And youll probably want to go with a larger quantity anyway because this vanilla extract makes the perfect gift. Seriously, who wouldnt be happy to receive a bottle of this? It makes the perfect hostess gift when youre invited over somewhere, a great gift for your childs teacher, a get-well-soon gift, or for any occasion you want to send the message Im thinking of you.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Most Expensive Patron Tequila

Do You Need To Slice The Vanilla Pods

I don’t always slice the pods before adding them to the bottles. That’s because I want to squeeze out the flavoured Vanilla Bean Paste from some of the beans when the extract is ready.

When you are ready to extract the paste, first, snip the end of a pod and then squeeze out the contents. Pop the bean back into the bottle to continue infusing the vodka. You can use the flavoured paste in your baking and cooking as normal.