The Vanilla Extract Project

So after doing some research on how to make vanilla extract, I've come across quite a few unique blogs and articles on the does and don't of making homemade vanilla extract.

So I decided to make extract from both popular and different choices of alcohol. I've started with the standard vodka;

Belvedere (hey, it was on sale for $20) 750 ml bottle, crammed with about 24 Madagascar vanilla beans

Remy Martin (Left over from making tiramisu) roughly 275 ml, crammed with 10 Mexican vanilla beans

Bombay Gin (Gift from a friend at a party) 750 ml, again, crammed with 24 Mexican vanilla beans

I plan to also use white rum, bourbon, tequila, and whiskey.

I've heard good things about vanilla extract made from gin and tequila and I can't wait to test everything out. Has anyone else here use anything other than vodka or rum for homemade vanilla extract?

Sounds yummy and youcan also enjoy consuming the ones that don't work out as well! Cheers!

I've only used cheap vodka.

Sounds to me like you're going to have some potent stuff. I use 3 or 4 of the long beans in a big bottle. Mine is great for baking, etc.

Reminds me, I have a new bottle and need to switch the beans over......

So I have purchased a bottle of Espolon tequila and now I'm waiting for my next batch of Mexican vanilla beans to be delivered.... I think i should have all the various liquor choices going by spring.... now to find the perfect crust recipe for peach cobbler...

I'm curious cost-wise how they compare! Granted I'm in Canada where booze is more expensive but still. I'd love to do this for gifts!

I tend to drink my gin/vodka/tequila/cognac before I remember that I could have used it to make vanilla extract.

Seriously, though, I'm really curious about using gin as your base. I used to think it was only good as a mixer in G&Ts, but have recently discovered it's great in many other cocktails, too. Looking forward to hearing about your results.

Well, the gin and vodka ones are really doing well. The gin based extract so far, smells very aromatic. I think its because gin has a slight perfumy scent on its on. Cost wise, I will have to keep a record. I've been pacing myself as far as purchasing needed items. I think its makes a difference in which vanilla beans purchased. I seem.to have a harder time finding Mexican vanilla beans versus the Madagascar beans. Which, for me, is frustrating because I prefer Mexican vanilla beans, but Madagascar vanilla is nice as well

intlgrrl said:

Well, the gin and vodka ones are really doing well. The gin based extract so far, smells very aromatic. I think its because gin has a slight perfumy scent on its on. Cost wise, I will have to keep a record. I've been pacing myself as far as purchasing needed items. I think its makes a difference in which vanilla beans purchased. I seem.to have a harder time finding Mexican vanilla beans versus the Madagascar beans. Which, for me, is frustrating because I prefer Mexican vanilla beans, but Madagascar vanilla is nice as well

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Interesting! Gin to me, imparts a "citrus-y" flavor, wonder how it will interact with the vanilla? (I bet it will be surprising and great)

What's the difference between the Madagascar and Mexican vanilla beans?

FoodFreedomNow said:

What's the difference between the Madagascar and Mexican vanilla beans?

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Sorry about the delay in response, I'm a night shift worker, and sometimes, time gets away from me. There's a mild difference in flavor. Mexican vanilla beans are a bit more spicy and earthy, whereas Madagascar or Bourbon vanilla beans are sweeter and creamy. I've noticed when at the grocery store, the Madagascar vanilla beans are the ones that are sold in the spice section. I have found that I have to order Mexican vanilla beans online.

There are two other kinds of vanilla beans that I have yet to try: Indonesian Vanilla beans and Tahitian Vanilla beans. Since I'm not as familiar with these beans yet, I've decided to focus on the two kinds I'm familiar with and then later perhaps expand the experiment to include Indonesian and Tahitian vanilla beans.

intlgrrl said:

 Sorry about the delay in response, I'm a night shift worker, and sometimes, time gets away from me. There's a mild difference in flavor. Mexican vanilla beans are a bit more spicy and earthy, whereas Madagascar or Bourbon vanilla beans are sweeter and creamy. I've noticed when at the grocery store, the Madagascar vanilla beans are the ones that are sold in the spice section. I have found that I have to order Mexican vanilla beans online. 

There are two other kinds of vanilla beans that I have yet to try: Indonesian Vanilla beans and Tahitian Vanilla beans. Since I'm not as familiar with these beans yet, I've decided to focus on the two kinds I'm familiar with and then later perhaps expand the experiment to include Indonesian and Tahitian vanilla beans.

Click to expand...

No worries! Thanks for following up.