- 8 oz glass bottle/jar - 6–8 whole vanilla beans (about 1 oz by weight) - 8 oz (1 cup) 80-proof vodka or bourbon — enough to fully submerge the beans Split each vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the seeds, place them in the bottle, and cover completely with vodka. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place, giving it a shake every week or two. You can begin using it after about 8 weeks, but 6–12 months gives you a much richer vanilla extract. You can leave the beans in indefinitely and top it off with vodka as you use it. 🤩 Fun Fact: Beaver Anal secretions are used to make artificial vanilla flavoring and it can legally be called “natural flavoring.” 🦫 🤯 The more you know…