An Easy Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract Recipe

With just a few simple steps and a little patience, you can make this homemade bourbon vanilla extract recipe to enhance the flavors of your baked goods. The combination of Madagascar vanilla beans and bourbon will elevate your baking to a whole new level.

A few years ago I made homemade vanilla extract for the first time as Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Since I had never made homemade extract before, I had no real expectations on how it was going to turn out.

Well let me tell you…my low expectations were blown away!

After a few months of steeping the vanilla beans in alcohol, I knew homemade vanilla extract was the only kind I wanted to use in my baking going forward.

The smell was unlike any store bought extract I had purchased before, and the flavor my vanilla extract added to my baked goods…incredible. 

Family members loved it too.

Once they used up the bottle of extract I gave them, I kept getting requests to refill their bottles with more!

So, I decided to share my recipe here on the blog so that anyone can easily make & enjoy the delicious taste of extract made at home.

The vanilla extract I created a few years ago was made with Madagascar vanilla beans and a bottle of vodka.

However this year, I decided to switch things up and replace the vodka with bourbon to add even more depth of flavor to this homemade vanilla extract recipe (I’ll talk more about this in a minute). 

Let me show you how incredibly easy it is to create your own homemade vanilla extract with these easy step by step instructions!

Why use bourbon as the liquor in vanilla extract?

Using bourbon as the liquor in vanilla extract is a great way to add depth and complexity to the flavor.

Bourbon is known for its distinct taste, which is often described as warm, smooth, and slightly sweet. 

The aging process in charred oak barrels adds a rich and mellow character, contributing notes of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle hint of spice.

These complex flavors complement the sweet and floral essence of the Madagascar vanilla beans, creating a perfect combination in this bourbon extract recipe. 

What are some brands of bourbon that would be good for this recipe?

When it comes to selecting bourbons for making vanilla extract, choose ones with a balanced flavor profile that complements the vanilla beans without overpowering them.

Here are some brands of bourbon that you can find at the liquor store for making delicious tasting vanilla extract:

• Buffalo Trace: This Kentucky bourbon offers a smooth and mellow taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. It’s an excellent choice for creating a well rounded vanilla extract.
• Maker’s Mark: Known for its approachable and slightly sweet flavor. Maker’s Mark works well in vanilla extract, imparting a pleasant caramel undertone.
• Woodford Reserve: A rich and complex flavor profile featuring notes of vanilla, toffee, and toasted oak.
• Bulleit Bourbon: This bourbon boasts a spicy and slightly fruity character with hints of vanilla and maple, adding a unique twist to your homemade vanilla extract.
• Four Roses Single Barrel: A higher end choice, this bourbon offers a more refined taste with a mix of sweet and spicy notes that pairs wonderfully with vanilla beans.
• Eagle Rare: With its well balanced flavors of caramel, toffee, and vanilla, Eagle Rare is a popular choice for crafting delicious vanilla extract.
• Elijah Craig Small Batch: This is the bourbon I used and delivers a warm and rich flavor profile, with a mix of caramel, vanilla, and oak.

Remember, personal preference plays a role in your bourbon selection process. Experiment with different bourbons to find the one that best suits your budget and taste.

Jump to Recipe

The Best Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Making your own bottle of homemade vanilla extract is so rewarding!

With just a few simple steps and a little patience, you’ll have a delicious elixir that enhances the flavors of your baked goods.

Once you make your own extract, I promise you won’t want to buy store-bought vanilla extract from the grocery store again! 

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Six Easy Steps to Make Bourbon Vanilla Extract

This bourbon vanilla extract recipe will yield about (6) 8.5 ounce bottles of extract.

Step One: Prepare the Bottles

Wash and dry the glass bottles to ensure they are clean and ready for the beans and alcohol.

Step Two: Cut the Madagascar Beans

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the whole vanilla beans in half lengthwise.

This exposes the tiny seeds inside the bean pod, which will infuse the bourbon with their rich flavor.

Step Three: Place Beans in Bottles

Place two of the cut vanilla pods inside each glass bottle. 

Step Four: Pour Bourbon Over Beans & Seal Jar

Pour the bourbon over the beans using a funnel to limit spillage.

Ensure all of the beans are fully submerged.

Seal the jar tightly with a tight-fitting lid.

Step Five: Add Labels

Affix labels to the front and back of bottles.

I like these labels because it includes the brew date which allows me to keep track of the extract’s maturation time.

Step Six: Infusion Time

This is the hardest step…waiting! 

Store the bottles in a dry place like a dark cupboard or cabinet in the kitchen. 

Allow the extraction process to happen for at least 2 months before using.

For the best flavor, wait 6-12 months.

Give the bottles a good shake every so often to enhance the infusion process.

What types of vanilla beans should I use?

Madagascar (these are the beans I used), Tahitian, or Mexican vanilla beans are all good choices.

Grade B beans are recommended for extract making due to their higher moisture content and stronger flavor.

Can you use another liquor besides bourbon to make vanilla extract?

Yes, you can use other types of liquor to make vanilla extract.

The alcohol acts as a solvent to extract the flavors from the vanilla beans, so here are some other options…

• Vodka: Vodka is the most popular substitute for bourbon in vanilla extract recipes. It’s neutral flavor allows the vanilla beans to shine, resulting in a pure & classic vanilla extract.
• Rum: Using rum adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the extract. Dark rum, with its rich molasses undertones, imparts a unique flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully.
• Brandy: Brandy offers a rich and fruity profile that works well with the sweet and floral essence of vanilla. The result is a luxurious and aromatic vanilla extract.
• Gin: Although unconventional, gin can be used for a distinctive take on vanilla extract. The botanicals in gin add herbal and citrus notes that create a unique and intriguing flavor profile.

When using these alternative alcohols, you can follow the same steps outlined in this bourbon vanilla extract recipe.

Allow the extract to steep for at least 2 months to reach its full flavor potential, and don’t forget to label and date your jar.

Each liquor will lend its own unique essence to the vanilla extract, so experiment and find the combination that best suits your taste and desired flavors.

Our Favorite Recipes for Bourbon Vanilla Extract

Now that you’ve made your own homemade vanilla extract, you may be looking for recipes to use it in.

Here’s a a few of our families favorite recipes…

Vanilla Extract: A Great Homemade Gift Idea

Bourbon vanilla extract makes a thoughtful and perfect gift for various occasions.

• Holidays: Vanilla extract is a great gift during the holiday season. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, or any other festive occasion, the warm and comforting essence of vanilla embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
• Housewarming: A new home deserves a touch of sweetness and warmth. Gifting a bottle of homemade bourbon vanilla extract is a charming way to congratulate someone on their new abode and wish them sweet memories in their kitchen.
• Birthdays: For the baking enthusiasts and foodies celebrating their birthdays, vanilla extract is a practical yet meaningful gift that shows you know and appreciate their passions.
• Just Because: Sometimes, the best occasions are the ones you create yourself. Gifting vanilla extract “just because” can bring joy to a friend or loved one and brighten their day.

Package your vanilla extract gift with care and add a personal touch with thoughtful labels, a bow, or recipe suggestions.

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xoxo, Heidi