Let me show you how easy it is to make your own vanilla at home! My bourbon vanilla extract recipe is less expensive than the store-bought stuff and adds creamy vanilla flavor to just about anything.
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll love my homemade bourbon vanilla paste, too!
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❤️ Why You'll Love this Recipe
Simple to Make - You only need two ingredients for this recipe for vanilla extract with bourbon, and no kitchen appliances! The hands-on part is quick and easy, then you just have to let the extraction happen while you live your life!
Authentic Vanilla Flavor - The result is true vanilla taste with no unnecessary additives. After I started making my own vanilla, I could truly taste the difference. And it's versatile enough to use just the same way you would vanilla from the store.
👉🏾 DIY flavor enhancers are the foundation for so many of my most popular dishes. Check out my homemade suya spice, southern praline sauce, strawberry vanilla simple syrup, and Creole seasoning recipe next!
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What You'll Need for this Recipe
Bourbon Vanilla Beans, of course. I like to buy them from farmers' markets because they tend to be fresher, but even dried vanilla beans from the grocery store will work just fine in this recipe.
*Bourbon vanilla beans come from a specific region that includes Madagascar and India. They are known for more intensely fragrant and flavorful vanilla, and this distinction is actually what makes bourbon vanilla extract. You don't actually have to use bourbon to make bourbon vanilla extract!
Bourbon is the liquid base that doubles as a preservative to stabilize the mixture at room temperature. The minimum alcohol content needed is 70 proof, but using 80 proof or higher tends to produce a better extraction and extends the shelf life.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions!
Substitutions & Variations
Liquor - Feel free to use other types of whiskey, including Scotch or rye, instead of bourbon. Or swap in vodka, rum, or cognac. Just avoid tequila, mezcal, gin, and liqueurs because the flavors will compete with the vanilla. Bourbon vs. Vodka: Some people prefer vodka because it's neutral in flavor, but I like the richness that using bourbon adds.
Double Fold - This recipe follows the standard ratio of one ounce of vanilla beans to one cup of alcohol. For a stronger flavor, use two ounces of vanilla beans for each cup of liquor!
How to Make Two-Ingredient Vanilla Extract
- Step 1: Split each vanilla bean to expose the seeds.
- Step 2: Add the vanilla and bourbon to an airtight bottle.
- Step 3: Turn the bottle over every once in a while until it's ready to use.
Pro Tip #1
Vanilla extract is ready to use after about three months of infusing; however, you'll get stronger, richer flavor after six months or even a year!
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in an airtight bottle or jar in a cool, dry, dark location like a pantry or cupboard. Be sure to keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to avoid evaporation or spoilage. It keeps indefinitely when stored properly.
How to Use Bourbon Vanilla Extract
Bourbon vanilla extract uses are almost endless. Of course, a teaspoon of vanilla will elevate any sweet baked good, from chocolate chip cookies to dark chocolate brownies and fluffy buttermilk cinnamon rolls.
But pure bourbon vanilla extract is also amazing in other desserts like ice creams (peep this homemade butter pecan ice cream recipe) and puddings, and New Orleans pralines.
Add it to oatmeal to make it extra cozy, or even in drinks like this lavender vanilla chai latte or a mug of hot chocolate. I bet they'll taste even better!
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I hope you'll enjoy this recipe for bourbon vanilla extract soon and very soon. And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
📖 Recipe
Bourbon Vanilla Extract Recipe
Equipment
- 1 knife
- 1 16-ounce bottle or similar airtight container
- 1 funnel optional
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla beans
- 2 cups bourbon whiskey
Instructions
- Use knife to cut a slit down the length of each vanilla bean.2 ounces vanilla beans
- Add the vanilla beans to bottle or airtight container, then pour in the bourbon. Seal then shake the bottle, and store it in a cool, dark, dry place like a pantry or kitchen cabinet.*Using a funnel for this step can help reduce spilling.2 cups bourbon whiskey
- Let the extract sit for at least three months, occasionally turning and shaking the bottle to agitate any vanilla beans and seeds that have settled to the bottom.The extract is ready to use after about three months of infusing; however, you'll get stronger, richer flavor after six months or even a year!
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