u003cstrongu003eHow long does homemade bourbon vanilla extract last?u003c/strongu003e

Homemade bourbon vanilla extract can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place. In fact, the flavor often deepens and improves over time. The longer the better if you ask me!

u003cstrongu003eWhy is my homemade vanilla extract cloudy?u003c/strongu003e

Cloudiness can come from shaking the jar and releasing all of the fine particles from the beans. It’s safe to use as long as there’s no mold.

u003cstrongu003eCan you reuse vanilla beans for another batch?u003c/strongu003e

Yes—after the extract is finished, you can top off the jar with more bourbon and continue extracting. However, the beans will lose strength over time.u003cbr/u003e

Simple Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract

Description

Simple to make, this homemade bourbon vanilla extract can be made in just a few minutes with two simple ingredients! Perfect for everyday baking or as a gift idea, it is a flavorful addition to your pantry that only gets better with time.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz bourbon
4-5 whole vanilla bean pods

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Instructions

Prepare the Jars: Prep each jar by washing thoroughly and letting them dry completely.
Prepare the Beans: Lay each vanilla bean flat. Using a sharp knife, carefully split each bean lengthwise to expose the seeds in the middle, being careful not to completely cut through the bean. You will need approximately 4-5 vanilla bean pods for each 8 oz jar of bourbon.
Combine: Add 4-5 beans into each jar. Place a small funnel over the top of each jar, and then slowly pour in 1 cup of bourbon over top of the vanilla beans, ensuring they are completely covered. Seal each jar tightly and label with the date.
Store, Shake, & Steep: Store in a cool, dark place. Shake once daily for the first week, then 1–2× per week for the first 6 weeks. Allow the vanilla to steep for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. For better flavor, let it steep even longer- 3 months to a year. The liquid will darken gradually over time.
Enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Make sure to store at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Homemade vanilla extract will last a very long time when stored in a cool, dry place! I usually keep mine on the top shelf of my pantry.

Reuse the Beans: The vanilla bean pods can be reused a few times to make new batches of extract. Just note that they will lose strength over time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes