Vanilla extract is an absolute staple in any kitchen! However, if you have looked at the actual ingredients in extract you will be asking yourself why you haven't made it yourself. Trust me when I say, vanilla extract is the easiest thing you will ever make and it only takes 2 ingredients! YUP that is it!!
Not only are these homemade vanilla extracts superior to the store bought ones, they also make the best of gifts for the holiday season, but you will want to start ahead at least 8 weeks, as it takes some time for them to set before they can be used as extract.

I mean aren't they the cutest? These would be perfect for any Crazy Busy Mama in your life or really anyone and would make a perfect stand alone gift or a bottle tucked in a basket with other baking essentials too!

Homemade Vanilla Extract can be used for all sorts of recipes, especially for baking and to make delicious homemade vanilla coffee creamer too! If you are looking for an easy Vanilla Coffee Creamer recipe you will have to give this ONE HERE a try! 🤍 Or you can simply add some homemade vanilla extract without the cream to your coffee. Regardless if you use this Homemade Vanilla Extract for creamer, desserts and baking you will want to give this homemade extract a try!
Homemade Vanilla Extract only takes 2 ingredients and the quality of your vanilla bean makes a huge difference. I love SAVA whole Vanilla Beans 🫘 and you can use code:LORI10 to save- just click HERE!
Once you have good quality vanilla beans you will need vodka, bourbon, or rum. Thats it! Just these two simple ingredients. The difference between the spirits really is the boldness in color and slight flavor and smell. The color of your vodka will get pretty dark with the vanilla beans in there, but you’ll be able to smell the difference between your vanilla extracts with the spirits you decide to use.
The rum adds a good flavor for spiced Christmas goodies that you make.
So once you have chosen the spirit you will want to make sure you have the correct ratio. The correction ratio for beans to alcohol is 5 beans to every 8 oz. I got the cutest and most functional 8 oz bottles to hold my homemade vanilla extract on AMAZON and have them listed in my HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT KIT HERE, and you can grab the SAVA Vanilla beans through amazon too but you can save a bit when you buy them directly from SAVA website with my code :LORI10 and I know how much a little bit adds up over time so if I were you I would buy the bottles on amazon and beans direct from SAVA HERE
I’m excited you are making this!! You’ll be adding it to everything and you’ll never use imitation again!!🥰
Ok below is the super simple process to making Homemade Vanilla Extract 🫘
Ingredients: Homemade Vanilla Extract
8 oz Vodka, Bourbon or Rum (any brand will do)
5 vanilla whole beans
It’s these 2 simple ingredients and takes literally 5 minutes to put together! Not to mention, it is a heather alternative to those store-bought extracts that you can’t even read the ingredients on! Yikes! Also, making your own homemade vanilla extract as mentioned above would make a super cute Christmas gift too!

Creating homemade vanilla extract is simple and its so much better! Once you try it you will never go back to the store bought ever again!
How To: Homemade Vanilla Extract
Making a quality vanilla extracts starts with great quality vanilla beans.
Gather all ingredients for making and storing the extract. You will be making this extract in the bottle you store it in.
8 oz of either Bourbon, Rum or Vodka -Vodka will make regular Vanilla Extract and Bourbon or Rum will make more of a Golden Darker extract. As mentioned above, any brand will do.
5 whole vanilla beans chopped
Chop the whole beans into half inch pieces as shown above and set aside

Grab a funnel and pour chosen spirits into each glass container
Place them in a lidded glass container as shown in picture below.

Filling with your favorite bourbon, rum or vodka.
Place tight lid on and shake occasionally for 8 weeks and store in a cool, dark place.

After 8 weeks, this vanilla extract will be ready to use or gift!
Crazy Busy Mama TIP: Homemade Vanilla Extract
Make sure when you fill your bottles with spirits that you cover the entire vanilla bean with liquid. If the vanilla bean is left out of the liquid it will mold. So make sure that all the beans are completely covered.
Complete Video Tutorial Below
Homemade Vanilla Extract Video
Now it is time to enjoy! Hope you love it too!
Also, if you try this recipe and love it I would so appreciate it if you would hit that big heart below and comment on which spirit you decided to use or “pin recipe” button to let me know how it was! That helps me know what kind of recipes you want to see more of.
More Easy Coffee Creamer Recipes
Just in case you are looking to make creamer with your homemade vanilla extract, take your coffee game to the next level with more fun, easy homemade coffee creamer recipes that’ll brighten every sip and add a splash of creativity to your mornings. I have listed a few of my favorites below.
Almond Joy Coffee Creamer Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Creamer Recipe
Honey Cinnamon Coffee Creamer Recipe
Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer Recipe
Sip, Smile & Shine with Crazy Busy Mama Signature Coffee Mugs
Start your day inspired with my Crazy Busy Mama coffee mug collection! Each design features my CBM signature touch to brighten your mornings and remind you that you’ve got this.
Perfect for your coffee bar or as a thoughtful gift for that special busy mama in your life. Don’t miss out explore the Crazy Busy Mama coffee mug collection and find your new favorite mug today!What Recipes Go Good with Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer

Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 8 oz Vodka or Bourbon
- 5 vanilla whole beans
Instructions
- Making a quality vanilla extracts starts with great quality vanilla beans.
- Gather all ingredients for making and storing the extract. You will be making this extract in the bottle you store it in.
- 8 oz of either Bourbon, Rum or Vodka -Vodka will make regular Vanilla Extract and Bourbon or Rum will make more of a Golden Darker extract.
- 5 whole vanilla beans chopped
- Chop the whole beans into half inch pieces and set aside
- Grab a funnel and pour chosen spirits into each glass container
- Place them in a lidded glass container.
- Fill with your favorite bourbon or vodka.
- Shake occasionally for 8 weeks and store in a cool, dark place.
- After 8 weeks, this vanilla extract will be ready to use.
Video
Notes
Crazy Busy Mama TIP: Homemade Vanilla Extract
Make sure when you fill your bottles with spirits that you cover the entire vanilla bean with liquid. If the vanilla bean is left out of the liquid it will mold. So make sure that all the beans are completely covered.Nutrition
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My coworker made us homemade vanilla for Christmas and I thought it was such a neat gift! I am excited to use your recipe and make some myself!
Thank you I’m making this’