Bourbon Vanilla Extract
In a world that moves a little too fast, there’s something timeless about taking a quiet moment to create something beautiful from scratch.
Bourbon vanilla extract is one of my favorite gifts that keeps on giving— simple ingredients, a little patience, and the warmth of good bourbon winding its way through sweet vanilla beans.
Tucked away in a jar or bottle, it will sit and transform, deepening in color and flavor with every passing day — just waiting to add a delicious complexity to everything you bake.✨
This recipe doesn’t have to be made with bourbon, however I absolutely love the layer of spice and sweetness it lends that perfectly highlights the flavors of the vanilla itself. But if you want a cleaner more pure vanilla flavor by all means, substitute vodka instead.
Ingredients:
Vanilla Beans: 6 to 8 high-quality beans (Madagascar or Tahitian varieties work wonderfully)
Bourbon: Roughly 1-2 cups of your favorite bourbon, or other booze of your choosing.
Note: Make sure your bourbon is at least 80 proof (40% alcohol) for best results.
what else You'll Need:
A clean, airtight glass bottle or jar (16 oz capacity)
Sharp knife or kitchen scissors
Cutting board
Funnel (optional, but very helpful)
Instructions:
Prep the Vanilla Beans: Using your knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the seeds. This enhances the infusion process.
Place Beans in the Bottle: Insert the split beans into your clean glass bottle or jar.
Add the Bourbon: Using a funnel, pour the bourbon over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Seal and Shake: Tightly seal the bottle and give it a good shake to mix the contents and make sure everything in there is living in harmony.
Store and Wait: Place the bottle/jar in a cool, dark place. Shake it whenever you remember it’s there just to give it a little encouragement.
Patience is Key: Allow the extract to mature for AT LEAST 6 weeks. For a more robust flavor, let it infuse for up to 8 months.
P.S.- The best part about this recipe is that it just gets better with age. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will get. As you use it, you can top the mixture up with more booze and let it keep on going for another few refills and make the absolute most of those sweet lil beans.
