Some people will add some simple sugar syrup to the extract in order to sweeten it. This is how most commercial brands are made. If you want that sweet after flavor you can add a little dark rum to your mixture. This will accomplish the same outcome as it would of if you had added the simple sugar syrup to it.

When making your mixture you can either add your vanilla beans directly to your vodka bottle or you can use a mason jar as shown in these pictures. (These pictures were taken off the Internet. I never took pictures of the steps I took when I made mine. But I have been making my own vanilla extract for over 3 years now.) If you use a mason jar you will need to push the beans down into the vodka until they are completely covered. They don't usually go down completely on their own. Cover the vanilla extract, shake it vigorously and let it sit in a cool dark cupboard. Be sure to shake it vigorously on a daily basis until it has reached the potency you desire.  So that means keep it out of the light. You will be able to taste some vanilla flavor even after a few days. How long you let it sit will determine just how potent your vanilla extract will be.

By using a clear glass jar you can see how well your extract is coming along. The darker the better. The longer it sits the darker it gets. You can then pour the extract into little dark bottles and give them as gifts if you choose to do so. It is as simple as that. So save yourself some money and make your own Vanilla Extract. It is also a nice gift for the holidays!! It is quick, easy and economical. Let me know how it turns out. Below are the pictures I got off the Internet. You can follow them step by step.


Dearest Lord, thank you for the opportunity to learn how to make our own things of all sorts. Not only do we have the opportunity to bless someone else with what we make, but we also have the opportunity to be good stewards of our money. Thank you for the gift of knowledge. In Jesus name I pray, Amen~