Mother Jar Vanilla Extract System

Ingredients

• 1 oz Vanilla beans (Split lengthwise; use 1 oz per 8 oz alcohol. Add fresh beans when topping up the mother jar.)
• 8 oz Vodka, bourbon, or rum (Choose an 80-proof spirit (at least 35% ABV); use 8 oz per 1 oz vanilla beans. Fresh alcohol is used to top up the mother jar.)
• 2 Jars with tight lids (One mother jar and one daily-use jar; use clean jars. A pint or quart jar works for a first batch, and a clean funnel is useful for refilling.)

Steps

1. 1

   Use a sharp knife to split each vanilla bean lengthwise, opening it like a book rather than cutting it in half.

2. 2

   Put the split beans into a clean jar. Use a pint or quart jar for a first batch, or a larger jar for a mother jar.

3. 3

   Pour in the chosen alcohol at a ratio of 1 oz vanilla beans to 8 oz alcohol. Ensure the beans are fully submerged; push down any exposed beans or add a little more alcohol.

4. 4

   Seal the jar and label it with the start date. Store it in a cool, dark place—not in the refrigerator or in direct sunlight.

5. 5

   Give the jar a small shake every week or two to keep the contents saturated. The extract is usable after about 8–10 weeks; the source recommends waiting around three months before starting to use it, and longer steeping develops stronger extract.

6. 6

   Leave the beans in the extract. Add fresh split beans when topping up; spent beans may be removed when convenient, but there is no need to remove them promptly.

7. 7

   Use the daily-use jar for cooking and baking. When it is about one-third full, use a clean funnel to refill it from the mature mother jar.

8. 8

   After drawing extract from the mother jar, top it up with fresh alcohol and add one or two fresh split beans. Keep the beans submerged, keep water out of the jar, and do not drain the mother jar below half full.

Notes

The source also gives a general ratio of 1 oz beans to 8 oz alcohol, while the narrated method specifies a minimum of 35% ABV (70 proof); its pro tips say 80 proof. Use a spirit containing at least 35% ABV. The mother-jar system depends on maintaining mature extract in the jar; do not let it fall below half full. The source mentions that beans may be removed when fully spent, but can remain in the alcohol. Jars are equipment rather than edible ingredients.

Nutrition per serving

• vanilla extract
• homemade
• pantry staple
• alcohol-based
• make-ahead
• long-steeped
• giftable