How to Make Homemade Vanilla Vodka

Are you tired of buying the same old bottles of vodka from the liquor store? Why not try making your own vanilla flavored vodka at home? It’s easier than you think and will add a delicious twist to any cocktail.

To make vanilla vodka, all you need is a bottle of vodka, a few vanilla beans, and a bit of patience. First, slice open the vanilla beans and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the empty pods to the bottle of vodka and let it sit for at least a week, shaking the bottle occasionally. The longer it sits, the stronger the vanilla flavor will be. Once it has reached your desired strength, strain out the vanilla pieces and enjoy your homemade vanilla vodka in a variety of cocktails. Let’s get started!

What You Will Need

If you’re looking to make vanilla vodka, you’re in luck because the process is quite simple and easy. You just need a few basic ingredients, equipment, and patience. Here is what you will need:

Ingredients

– 1 liter of vodka
– 6-8 whole vanilla beans
– A glass bottle with a tight lid

Equipment

– A clean sharp knife
– A cutting board
– A funnel
– A spoon
– A measuring cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Vanilla Beans

To start, the quality of your vanilla beans will determine how good your vanilla vodka is. Make sure you choose good quality vanilla beans that are plump, moist, and flexible. You can purchase vanilla beans in bulk at your local farmer’s market or online.

Step 2: Clean Your Glass Bottle

Clean your glass bottle with hot soapy water and rinse it thoroughly with hot water. Make sure that it has a tight lid to prevent any leakage.

Step 3: Slice the Vanilla Beans

Using a clean sharp knife, slice the vanilla beans lengthwise and place them in the glass bottle.

Step 4: Pour Vodka into the Glass Bottle

Pour the vodka into the glass bottle and leave at least half an inch space from the top. Use a funnel to avoid any spillage.

Step 5: Seal the Bottle

After pouring the vodka, it is time to seal the bottle. Make sure the lid is tight enough to prevent any leakage.

Step 6: Shake the Bottle

Shake the bottle well to mix the vodka and vanilla beans.

Step 7: Store in a Cool and Dark Place

Store the bottle in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet. Make sure to shake the bottle every few days to infuse the vanilla flavor into the vodka thoroughly.

Step 8: Wait for 2-3 weeks

Allow the vodka to infuse for 2-3 weeks. The longer you wait, the stronger the vanilla flavor will be.

Step 9: Test the Flavor

After 2-3 weeks, test the flavor of your vanilla vodka. If you want a stronger flavor, leave the vanilla beans to infuse for a longer period.

Step 10: Strain and Enjoy

Strain the vodka using a cheesecloth or a clean coffee filter to remove the vanilla beans and any sediment. Pour the vanilla vodka into a glass and enjoy it on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail of your choice.

Conclusion

And that’s it! Now you know how to make delicious vanilla vodka. It is a simple and easy process that requires minimal equipment and only a few ingredients. Experiment with different flavor combinations and enjoy the taste of your homemade vanilla vodka. Just remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the process!

Ingredients to Make Vanilla Vodka

When it comes to making vanilla vodka, the main ingredients are vodka and vanilla beans. However, there are other ingredients that can enhance the flavor of your vanilla vodka or add a unique twist to it. Here are some ingredients you may want to consider:

1. Vodka – You can use any brand of vodka you prefer, but it’s best to use a good quality one. Choose a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the vanilla.

2. Vanilla beans – Choose high-quality, plump beans that are soft to the touch and have a strong aroma. You can use whole beans or split them and scrape out the seeds.

3. Sugar – Adding a little bit of sugar to your vanilla vodka can help to bring out the sweetness of the vanilla and balance the alcohol taste. Use granulated sugar or simple syrup.

4. Cinnamon sticks – Adding cinnamon sticks to your vanilla vodka can give it a warm, spicy flavor. This is a great option for fall or winter drinks.

5. Orange peel – Using a bit of orange peel can give your vanilla vodka a refreshing citrus flavor. Avoid using too much peel, as it can make the vodka bitter.

6. Coffee beans – Adding coffee beans to your vanilla vodka can give it a mocha flavor. This is a great option for coffee lovers.

7. Cocoa powder – Adding cocoa powder to your vanilla vodka can give it a chocolatey flavor. This is a great option for dessert drinks.

8. Coconut flakes – Adding coconut flakes to your vanilla vodka can give it a tropical flavor. This is a great option for summer drinks.

9. Honey – Adding honey to your vanilla vodka can give it a sweet, floral flavor. This is a great option for cocktails with a feminine touch.

10. Peppermint – Adding peppermint to your vanilla vodka can give it a refreshing, minty flavor. This is a great option for holiday drinks.

Once you have your ingredients, it’s time to start making your vanilla vodka. In the next section, we’ll go over the steps to create your own delicious vanilla vodka in the comfort of your own home.

Infusing Vanilla into Vodka

Infusing vanilla into vodka is super easy and the best part is it doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make vanilla vodka right in your kitchen.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Vodka

You want to choose a high quality and neutral tasting vodka for best results. The vodka should have a high alcohol content to help extract the vanilla flavor. Generally, a vodka with 80 proof or higher is recommended.

Step 2: Choosing the Vanilla Bean

The most important ingredient for making vanilla vodka is the vanilla bean. You may use either Madagascar, Tahitian or Bourbon varieties, but Madagascar beans are most commonly used. When selecting your vanilla beans, look for plump, moist and flexible ones with a strong vanilla scent.

Step 3: Splitting the Vanilla Bean

Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the tiny seeds inside. If the vanilla bean is too long to fit inside your bottle, you can cut it into smaller pieces.

Step 4: Adding Vanilla to the Vodka

Next, place the vanilla bean inside your chosen bottle of vodka. If you cut the vanilla bean, make sure the pieces are submerged in the vodka. Seal the bottle and give it a good shake. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, occasionally shaking it to help the flavors mix.

Step 5: Filtering

After 2 weeks, your vanilla vodka is ready to drink, but you may want to filter it first to remove any floating particles. You can use a cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Simply pour the vodka through the filter and into a clean bottle. Your homemade vanilla vodka is now ready for sipping, mixing, or gifting!

Making your own flavored vodka is an excellent way to impress your friends and family. With this easy method, you can have your homemade vanilla vodka in just a few weeks. Not only it is a fun and satisfying DIY project, but it also makes a great gift. Do you have any other flavor infusion ideas? Share them in the comments!

Bottoms up!

Congratulations on making your own vanilla vodka! We hope you enjoyed following our simple recipe. Now you can impress your friends and family with your own homemade creation. Remember, experimentation is key, so don’t be afraid to try adding different flavors to your vodka. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you back here for more fun and easy DIY projects. Cheers!