Homemade Vanilla Extract with Everclear

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Chances are you have always fully intended to make your own vanilla extract. And you keep putting it off because you’re intimidated by the process. If you are, you’re in luck! Homemade extracts are so much better than what you can purchase in the stores. And it’s a fairly simple process to make with just a few ingredients, time, and these simple steps. Let’s make some homemade vanilla extract with Everclear!

Two old fashioned amber bottles with vintage labels on the front laying on their backs on a kitchen towel on top of a brass tray.

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Crafting Pure Vanilla Extract at Home vs. Grocery Stores

There are some really good common questions that every person should ask before doing a deep dive into a process such as extracts.

Commercial Vanilla Extract Contains Synthetic and Artificial Flavorings as well as Corn Syrup

Is There a Difference Between Vanilla and Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla flavoring, or imitation vanilla, has propylene glycol or glycerine instead of alcohol, other artificial flavors, synthetic vanillin, corn syrup, and lignin.

Pure Vanilla Extract is defined by FDA regulations as a minimum of 35 percent alcohol and at least 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter.

Does Vanilla Extract Have Corn Syrup in it?

The popular choice of commercial vanilla extract, McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract’s ingredients, contains Vanilla bean extractives in water, alcohol (35%), and corn syrup.

Madagascar vanilla beans with Everclear grain alcohol sitting on a cutting board. Making vanilla extract for the first time I chose to use Everclear grain alcohol for it's pure taste which allows the vanilla to really shine in extract.
Madagascar Vanilla Bean Pods are displayed on my vintage ironstone dishes.

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Supplies to Make Your Own Homemade Vanilla Extract with Everclear

For a Single Fold, Double Fold, or Triple Fold Recipe

  • A Single-fold is 1 oz of beans to 1 cup of liquid.
  • A Double-fold is 2 oz of beans to 1 cup of liquid.
  • A Triple-fold is 3 oz of beans to 1 cup of liquid.

The recommendation is 2-3 oz of beans per 750 mL or 1 oz of beans for 1 cup of alcohol. For double fold vanilla extract, you would simply double the beans to alcohol ratio.

Six ounces of Madagascar Vanilla bean pods on a vintage ironstone dish, Everclear, a glass amber bottle, and kitchen towel sitting on a cutting board as I make homemade vanilla extract.
The Main Supplies to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract using Everclear Grain Alcohol.

Step One – Purchasing Your Whole Vanilla Beans

To create the perfect pure extracts you want to purchase some high-quality vanilla bean pods. If purchased in your local store it could, however, cost you an arm and a leg. Literally so much money.

So I recommend purchasing from IndriVanilla for the best deal, a company that purchases directly from the farmers. They offer good prices and a wide range of vanilla beans from around the world. They also have a Facebook Group with a ton of information on the extraction process, community, and a file section with additional resources.

When I purchased my Madagascar Beans (Vanilla Planifolia) I got 6 ounces of beans. And according to recommendations, this will produce 6 cups or 48 oz. of Pure Vanilla Extract full of rich vanilla flavor.

Madagascar vanilla bean pods laying on ironstone dishes, a white kitchen towel, and a wooden cutting board. Making homemade vanilla extract with everclear alcohol requires first and foremost high quality vanilla beans.
Madagascar Vanilla Bean Pods

What Type of Vanilla Bean is Best to Make Vanilla Extract?

There is no “one type of bean to rule them all“. While Madagascar vanilla beans are the most well-known, there are other great popular options such as Tahitian vanilla beans and Mexican vanilla beans.

Which is Better Grade A or Grade B Vanilla Beans?

Grade A Vanilla Beans, sometimes referred to as Gourmet or Prime, have a much higher moisture content than Grade B beans, or ‘extraction grade’ vanilla beans. As such, the flavor is going to be more diluted in a gourmet bean but it won’t take nearly as long to transfer flavor to a dish.

How Many Beans Do I Need to Make Extract?

The FDA requires 2.64 ounces of vanilla beans/bits per 750 mL (approximately 25 fluid ounces) of alcohol to define a “single fold” vanilla extract.

The recommendation is 2-3 oz of beans per 750 mL or 1 oz of beans for 1 cup of alcohol.

Everclear grain alcohol, Madagascar vanilla beans on ironstone dish, Amber glass bottle, kitchen towel, all sitting atop a wooden cutting board.
Making Homemade Vanilla Extract with Everclear Grain Alcohol is such a simple process. 1 750 mL bottle of Everclear Grain Alcohol 190 Proof + 750 mL Distilled water + 6 oz. Vanilla Beans = Single-fold Homemade Vanilla Extract.

Step Two – Choose Your Alcohol

The most popular choice for creating homemade vanilla extract is to use a bottle of vodka. Not the cheapest vodka, cheap stuff won’t give you that rich flavor you’re wanting.

However, I have never drank alcohol. And I have read many accounts of people extracting their vanilla for 6 months to a year and it still has strong alcohol or boozy flavoring.

Bonus Tip: If you’re apprehensive about toting your kids into a liquor store, the good news is you don’t have to. The best store to buy from is Wal-Mart. Purchase it to drive up and you don’t even have to get out of the car!

Why Does Everclear Grain Alcohol Make a Good Vanilla Extract?

It extracts a cleaner with a less boozy smell and taste. Everclear is considered cost effective since it has to be diluted with distilled water to use properly. And there is some evidence to suggest that extract can be “ready” a little faster when using Everclear.

Homemade vanilla extract with everclear, madagascar vanilla bean pods on an ironstone plate, everclear grain alcohol, and three amber glass bottles on a cutting board.

What is Everclear Grain Alcohol?

To create Grain Alcohol you repeatedly distill corn, potatoes, or beets to create a pure, clear, and unscented product. Considered the world’s strongest alcoholic drink, it is a concentration of 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof, high proof alcohol).

How Do You Use Everclear Grain Alcohol to Make Vanilla Extract?

  • Dilute 190 proof 1:1. (1/2 cup of Everclear and 1/2 cup of distilled water for each cup of “liquid” needed).
  • 151 proof 2:1. (2/3 cup of Everclear and 1/3 cup of distilled water for each cup needed)
  • 120 proof 3:1. (3/4 cup of Everclear and 1/4 cup of distilled water for each cup needed)

What Are Other Popular Alcohols to Use in Making Vanilla Extract?

Vodka produces a cleaner and lighter vanilla extract; bourbon produces a heavier, more complex, and moodier, if you will, type of extract. Dark rum, light rum, spiced rum, or brandy will all affect the taste of the final extract compared to vodka or grain alcohol which has none.

Step Three – Choosing Your Glass Bottles

The type of jar you choose will not necessarily affect the final product. However, there are a few factors you might want to consider when choosing. Ask yourself these few questions before purchasing your jars.

  • How much vanilla extract am I hoping to make?
  • How long do I expect to let the extract sit?
  • Do I need to be able to reach my fingers into the jar?
  • Will I need to fold the beans in half to keep them immersed in the alcohol?

I happily scooped up some small bottles I found while thrifting. I also chose to go with amber glass bottles to help the vanillin remain unexposed from light.

Two of the bottles are swing-top bottles (my favorite) and two almost look like large vintage medicine jars. I’m almost positive the swing-top jars were a Pumpkin Spice drink from Aldi at one point.

Four thrifted vintage looking amber bottles, two swing top and two that look like old medicine jars. They're sitting on top of a wooden cutting board.
I used 2 of these 4 Amber Glass Bottles I found while thrifting one day.

What Jars Are the Best to Make Vanilla Extract In?

A dark-colored glass, like amber, is the best jar to use. This is because vanillin can be affected by light. You can use practically any food-safe glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. A few popular choices would be a mason jar, swing-top jars, or repurposing another glass container.

Step Four – Making the “Real Stuff” ie. Good Vanilla

Once you’ve decided and ordered your beans, purchased your alcohol, and got the glass bottles you’re ready to start creating your homemade extract with Everclear!

Do I Need to Split My Beans When Making Vanilla Extract?

It’s unnecessary to split vanilla beans. The process will go faster with split pods, but to preserve the caviar leave the beans whole and submerge the beans in the alcohol.

After scraping the caviar from a bean place the empty pod back into the extract to keep it going.

01 Mix Your Everclear and Distilled Water

The Everclear and distilled water need to be premixed before adding the vanilla beans. This way the distilled water has time to bring down the proof of the Everclear before you add the beans.

1. Mix your Everclear and distilled water accordingly based on your proof of Everclear.

Everclear grain alcohol 190 proof being diluted with distilled water in a measuring cup, sitting on top of a cutting board. To make good homemade vanilla extract with Everclear, you absolutely must dilute it with distilled water or risk drying out your beans.
To use Everclear Grain Alcohol 190 proof, dilute 1:1 with Distilled water before you add any Vanilla Beans. I added 1 cup Everclear + 1 cup Distilled Water and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
  • Dilute 190 proof 1:1. (1/2 cup of Everclear and 1/2 cup of distilled water for each cup of “liquid” needed).
  • 151 proof 2:1. (2/3 cup of Everclear and 1/3 cup of distilled water for each cup needed)
  • 120 proof 3:1. (3/4 cup of Everclear and 1/4 cup of distilled water for each cup needed)

There is a chemical reaction that happens when you mix the Everclear and distilled water. The mixture creates bubbles and will heat up a few degrees. Wait 20 minutes and allow the chemical reactions to process before adding your beans.

02 Preparing Your Beans for Extracting

Measure out your beans on a kitchen scale to ensure you’re meeting the minimum for the jar size + liquid (Everclear+distilled water mixture).

The beans need to be kept entirely submerged in alcohol the entire time. Ends poking out above the level of the alcohol are not making extract and have the potential to mold.  You can fold or bend the beans in your jar to make them fit better.

03 Longterm Storage for Best Results

Keep the bottles of extract at room temperature in a dark place out of direct sunlight.

Give the jars a good shake periodically. Shaking will help incorporate the wonderful vanilla oils and vanillin as your beans extract. Then plan on the extract taking 12 months for the finished product to have optimal quality.

Two amber glass bottles with everclear alcohol, distilled water, and Madagascar vanilla beans extracting to create homemade vanilla extract. They sit on top of a wooden cutting board. Madagascar vanilla bean pods sit next to them on a vintage Ironstone plate.
Beautiful Madagascar Vanilla Beans sitting in the Everclear + Distilled water solution tucked into their amber glass bottle ready to sit for 12 months.

This is not a quick process by any means. I know there are plenty of tutorials out there that tell you a couple of weeks, or months is sufficient. But at that point, you will have vanilla-flavored alcohol, not the deep rich flavored homemade vanilla extract you’re hoping for.

Step Five – Vintage Vanilla Label Printable

It wouldn’t be complete without adding a bit of vintage flare to these beautiful amber bottles, would it? The added benefit is you know at a glance exactly what they are (so you don’t forget). And if you use the blank label you can also date them so you know exactly when this batch was created.

These labels were found on the graphics fairy’s website. I downloaded them and added them to an 8.5″x11″ template to create this free printable for you to use freely!

She has a ton of other options you can check out as well!

Old fashioned vanilla extract labels on the front of glass amber bottles with homemade vanilla extract inside. The bottles sit near a kitchen towel inside a brass tray.
Vintage Vanilla Extract Labels, 8.5" x 11" six on a page.
Vintage Vanilla Extract labels, 8.5" x 11", 8 labels on one page. Blank labels.
free downloadable

Vintage Labels

This printable is for personal use only. However, feel free to share this post with friends and family so they can have these amazing vintage labels, too! The download will come with both designs sized at 8 1/2″ x 11 “.

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These printables are available as a free download in the Wonderland Subscriber Library. By simply entering your email address and subscribing you get full access. Please remember these are for personal use only.

Two amber glass bottles with everclear alcohol, distilled water, and Madagascar vanilla beans extracting to create homemade vanilla extract. They sit on top of a wooden cutting board. Madagascar vanilla bean pods sit next to them on a vintage Ironstone plate.

Homemade Vanilla Extract with Everclear

Yield: 16 oz Homemade Vanilla Extract
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Create delicious high-quality pure vanilla extract at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Everclear Grain Alcohol 190 Proof
  • 1 cup Distilled Water
  • 2 oz. of Vanilla Beans

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup of Everclear and 1 cup of Distilled water into your 16 oz Amber Glass Bottle.
  2. Put the lid on and shake to combine.
  3. Take the lid off and let it sit and process for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Pour 1/4 cup back into your measuring cup so it doesn't overflow when you add your Vanilla Beans.
  5. Add 2 oz. of Vanilla Beans to the glass bottle.
  6. When all the beans are added top the bottle off with the leftover in the measuring cup.
  7. Ensure all beans are fully submerged in the alcohol to avoid mold and get the best extract results.
  8. If any are sticking above the alcohol take them out, fold them in half, and put them back in.
  9. Let the extract sit for 6-12 months minimum for best results.

Notes

  • Label your glass bottle "Vanilla Extract" and include the date and type of bean/alcohol used.
  • Store in a dark warm spot. Vanilla is light sensitive and warmth can help speed up the extracting process.
  • Shake periodically to mix the vanillin and alcohol.
  • It is unnecessary to split beans before extracting. While it can help extract faster, you will lose the valuable "caviar" in the center which can be used after extracting for all kinds of goodies.
  • When beans are done extracting 6-12 months (minimum) you can add them to a "mother jar" of extract, dry the beans and use them to make powder, grind them to make vanilla bean paste, or add them to sugar to make vanilla sugar.

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    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 96
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 12Total Fat: 3gProtein: 3g
    © Julie
    Cuisine: Extracts / Category: Recipes

    FAQ

    80-100 proof of alcohol (40%-50% alcohol by volume) is the recommendation. Never use less than 70 proof (or 35% alcohol by volume). Also, don’t use higher than 100-120 proof.  

    If you choose to use high-proof Everclear, dilute it with distilled water or you may end up with burnt dried-out beans.  

    Yes! For a non-alcoholic extract, you can use food-grade glycerin.  

    Vanilla flavoring, or imitation vanilla, has propylene glycol or glycerine instead of alcohol, other artificial flavors, synthetic vanillin, corn syrup, and lignin.
    Pure Vanilla Extract is defined by FDA regulations as a minimum of 35 percent alcohol and at least 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter.

    Single-fold would be the minimal requirement to make pure vanilla extract. Or 2-3 oz of beans per 750 mL or 1 oz of beans for 1 cup of alcohol.
    Double-fold vanilla extract is twice the beans to alcohol.  
    Triple-fold vanilla extract is triple the beans to alcohol ratio. This is the highest recommended ratio. Anything more than this would not yield any better results.

    Grown all over the world you can purchase Vanilla Beans from Hawaii, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Comoros, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Peru, Tanzania, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Uganda and each with their own different flavor profiles.

    Vanilla Beans & Ethyl Alcohol

    To make vanilla extract, steep vanilla beans in ethyl alcohol and water, 35 percent alcohol to at least 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter.

    Made with the proper amount of alcohol, the homemade vanilla extract should maintain its quality for 5–10 years. Make sure to store it in a cool dark place for the best shelf life.

    For extract, you will want to use vanilla beans once. It’s also popular to add the beans to a mother jar or to create vanilla sugar, vanilla bean paste, vanilla salt, etc.
    Vanilla beans can also add vanilla flavor to sauce, frosting, syrup, ice cream, beverages, and a variety of desserts.

    A mother jar is simply a big jug that has lots of used vanilla beans and booze. It’s a great way to create an additional extract from spent beans. Mother jars are most often a higher ratio of beans to alcohol – like double, triple, or higher folds.  

    If you run out, prefer the flavor of a substitute, or want an alcohol-free option. If you’re in a pinch, here are 8 acceptable substitutes for Vanilla Extract.
    Vanilla paste.
    Vanilla powder.
    Vanilla sugar.
    Almond extract.
    Maple syrup.
    Honey.
    Bourbon, Brandy, Rum, or Vanilla Liqueur.
    Vanilla-flavored plant-based milk.

    A primary ingredient in vanilla bean extract, Vanillin, does contain anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antitumor properties.

    The popular choice of commercial vanilla extract, McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract ingredients, contains Vanilla bean extractives in water, alcohol (35%), and corn syrup.

    Using a variety of vanilla pods (Madagascar, Indonesia, Tahitian, Mexican) will produce a vanilla extract with a much more complex flavor and aroma.

    Similarly, the type of alcohol you use like Rum, Brandy, Vodka, or Grain Alcohol will also produce different flavors.

    Amber bottles full of homemade vanilla extract laying on their back on a kitchen towel in a brass tray. Two other vintage style amber bottles stand beside them.

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope I have given you the push to kickstart your new extracting obsession! I mean, convinced you to give creating delicious homemade vanilla extract a try!

    But really it may become an obsession… I’m already dreaming of purchasing other beans to try with different alcohols. Not to mention the vanilla sugar, vanilla salt, vanilla bean paste, etc. The options are literally endless!

    Julie

    Author photo of a 38 year old woman with shoulder length dark brown hair, blue eyes, she's wearing a grey shirt with pockets.
    Contact Us | About Me

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    Hi, I’m Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me here→

    30 Comments

    1. I’ve never heard of making vanilla extract with Everclear before, but I am intrigued now! I still have some Everclear left from making hand sanitizer and I’m almost out of vanilla extract too, seems like a good time to give this a try!

      Reply

      2. It works perfect. I am only using everclear/destilled water. Tried also Whisky, Rum and Vodka. I want the Vanilla to be the star that is why I decided to only use Everclear. I also prefer Vanilla bean paste over extract.

        Reply

        1. I totally understand! Vanilla bean paste adds SO much more taste. I can’t wait to make my own. I have used Everclear and Spiced Rum, but hope to do more in the future! So is the one with Everclear your favorite?

          Reply

    2. Amazing photography! I’m so interested in trying this! You provided so much valuable information and answered some great questions. Thanks for the recipe and all the other goodies found in here like printable labels!

      Reply

      2. Hello! Thank you for all the wonderful information!

        A quick question, is the 1 ounce of vanilla beans per cup of alcohol or combined alcohol/distilled water? For example, if I have a 1:1 everclear and distilled water ratio is it 1 ounce of beans to 1/2cup 1:1 ratio mixture?

        Appreciate your input!

        Reply

        1. It’s the combined amount. So 1 cup of liquid for 1 oz of vanilla bean. 1/2 cup of everclear 1/2 cup distilled water. I hope that clears it up!

          Reply

    4. Wow, Julie! This is such an informative post. I haven’t really given vanilla extract that much thought beyond using it in baking—until now. Your post has given me an appreciation for the process (and ingredients) that go into commonly used store-bought products as well as the courage to try making vanilla extract myself.

      Reply

      1. Thank you! I hope you do try it. I never really gave it much thought until I stumbled upon a post years ago and then I couldn’t give up the idea. I’m so glad I made it and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon either! Let me know if you ever try it, I would love to hear from other people’s experiences.

        Reply

          1. Oh, wow, it disappeared! Thanks for pointing that out. I added it in there and it should be visible now. You’re very welcome, thanks for taking the time to tell me it was missing!

            Reply

    12. Help?!?! I just found all this wonderful info… but I made my vanilla extract last year, with pure Everclear. I can’t taste the vanilla! Is there any way to save my extract?

      Reply

      1. What proof was your Everclear? If it was 80 proof you may be ok and it may just need longer to sit. You could try making some fresh whipped cream with it or frosting, that’s the best way to tell. You can’t really taste it when you put it on your tongue. If it was 190 proof your beans might be burned unfortunately. But I would still try to make some whipped cream or frosting with it and see what it tastes like!

        Reply

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