Homemade Vanilla Extract: A Simple, Thoughtful Gift Everyone Loves

aneisarolen
Dec 8, 2025
3 min read

There’s something magical about giving a homemade gift—especially one that’s as versatile, personal, and downright delicious as homemade vanilla extract. If you’ve never made your own before, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of the easiest kitchen DIY projects, and yet the final product feels luxurious, fragrant, and special enough to give to your favorite bakers, cooks, and coffee lovers.

With just two ingredients—vodka and vanilla beans—you can create bottles of rich, aromatic vanilla that only get better with time. And the best part? It’s nearly impossible to mess up. All you need is a little patience while the beans work their magic.

This is the perfect project for the holiday season, teacher gifts, hostess gifts, housewarmings, or as part of a homemade gift basket. Once you start gifting homemade vanilla, people will ask for it every year.

Why Make Your Own Vanilla?

Better flavor than store-bought
More affordable when making multiple bottles
Customizable (bean variety, alcohol type, bottle size)
Beautiful to package
Lasts for years—it’s self-preserving
A gift that feels handmade and meaningful

Ingredients & Supplies

Ingredients

Vanilla beans (Grade B is perfect for extract; Grade A works too)
- Madagascar (classic, warm, sweet)
- Tahitian (floral, soft)
- Mexican (bold, slightly smoky)
Vodka, 80 proof (a mid-range brand is ideal)Note: You can substitute bourbon, rum, or brandy for deeper flavor.

Supplies

Sharp knife
Funnel
Clean glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids
Labels or gift tags

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

1. Prepare the Vanilla Beans

Slice each bean lengthwise to expose the tiny seeds inside. You can leave the top intact so it opens like a book or cut them entirely—either works.

Use about 5–6 beans per 8 oz (1 cup) of vodka for strong, bold extract.

2. Add the Beans to Your Bottle

Place the sliced beans directly into your clean bottles or jars.

If using smaller bottles (like 4 oz gift bottles), cut the beans into shorter segments so they fit.

3. Add the Vodka

Using a funnel, pour vodka over the beans until they are fully submerged. Seal the bottle tightly.

4. Shake and Wait

Give the bottle a good shake and store it in a cool, dark place.

Shake once a week
Let the extract steep for at least 8 weeks
For the deepest flavor, aim for 6 months

The liquid will turn a beautiful amber color as it develops.

5. Label and Gift

Add a simple handwritten or printed label with:

“Homemade Vanilla Extract”
The date it was made
Instructions to shake occasionally
A note that the flavor will continue improving over time

Tips for the Best Homemade Vanilla

Leave the beans in the bottle—your recipient can top off with more vodka as they use it.
Use the most neutral vodka you can find; strong flavors will overpower the vanilla.
For a premium gift, use Tahitian beans with a splash of bourbon for incredible aroma.
Save money by buying vanilla beans in bulk online—much cheaper than grocery stores.

Fun Variations for Gift Giving

1. Bourbon Vanilla

Rich, warm, and perfect for holiday baking.

2. Rum Vanilla

Sweet, caramel-like, great for custards and coffee.

3. Vanilla Sugar

Toss spent beans into a jar of sugar for an easy bonus gift.

4. Double Vanilla Extract

Use extra beans for a more intense, baker-style extract.

A Gift From the Heart (and the Food Fairy)

Homemade vanilla extract is one of those gifts that feels thoughtful without being complicated. It looks beautiful, smells heavenly, and becomes something your friends and family will use and enjoy all year long. You’ll likely find yourself making a batch annually—one for gifting, and one for your own pantry.