To ensure a quicker and more potent extraction, I recommend cutting at least half of your vanilla beans such that the inside of the bean is exposed to the distilled liquor. This can be done by either splitting each vanilla bean in half lengthwise or by chopping your chosen beans in small pieces. I’ve used both methods and both ways turn out the same.

Measure out your distilled liquor and add it into your chosen jar along with your beans.

Replace and tighten the lid of the jar.

Give your jar a shake and let the vanilla infuse! Shake your jar every few days to help the extraction.

Keep the jar in a cool dark place for at least 8 weeks. For best results, leave the jar for 3 months or longer.

When your vanilla is fully extracted, the alcohol smell should be minimal to non-existent. If it’s been over 3 months and the alcohol smell is still strong, let the glass container sit without a lid for about 30 minutes. This should lessen the alcohol smell.

If gifting, this is where you would transfer into a pretty container with your funnel and place in your gift bag!