Make your own flavored vodka with this Vanilla Vodka Recipe. In just under 2 weeks you will end up with a delicious flavored vodka that's not overly sweet and has just the right amount of vanilla flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
Vanilla is one of my favorite flavors and it definitely has a place in the cocktail world. That being said, some flavored vodkas are too sweet and can sometimes have a fake flavoring taste.
How do you fix that? With this Homemade Vanilla Vodka Recipe. You only need two ingredients and in less than two weeks your vanilla-infused vodka will be ready to enjoy!
What Type of Vanilla Beans to Use?
For vanilla-infused vodka, you can use either Grade A or Grand B vanilla beans. Grade A vanilla beans have a higher moisture content than grade B, which means the vanilla flavor will quickly infuse into a dish.
Grade B vanilla beans are known as extract-grade beans because they often have tearing, bruising, or scarring on the pod and maybe even some scorching from the sun. These imperfections do not harm the integrity of the flavor.
What Vodka to use for this Vanilla-Infused Recipe?
Choose a vodka you like to drink, or may even consider drinking straight up. Do not buy a cheap vodka or you will end up with cheap vanilla vodka. I used Tito's vodka. I would also recommend Ketel One as another option.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Vodka
- Cut the vanilla bean in half so that it will be completely covered by the vodka.
- Place the 2 halves of the vanilla bean in the bottle. Carefully pour 12 ounces of vodka into the bottle.
- Seal the bottle and give it a nice shake. Store in a cool, dark place and shake every 1-2 days. After 14 days, your homemade vanilla vodka will be ready to enjoy. Strain the vanilla beans from the vodka and store the vodka in a sealable glass bottle.
Uses for Vanilla Vodka
The most obvious use for this vanilla-flavored vodka is to make a cocktail with it. You can substitute vanilla vodka for regular vodka in a martini or lemon drop, for example.
Or try this Raspberry Cocktail below with vanilla vodka, raspberry liqueur, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Add 2 oz. vodka, 1 oz raspberry liqueur, ½ oz orange liqueur, and 1 oz lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake, strain, and enjoy in a sugar-rimmed glass.
Tools Needed to Make Homemade Vanilla Vodka
Flip-top glass bottles are the perfect container for this homemade infused vodka. They also come in handy for other homemade syrups, sauces, and liqueurs. You are also going to need some vanilla beans. I used the vanilla beans below. You can get this Grade A set of 10 for a reasonable price.
If you get a chance to make this Homemade Vanilla Vodka, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Homemade Vanilla Vodka
Equipment
- 1 sealable glass bottle or jar
Ingredients
- 12 ounces vodka
- 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Cut the vanilla bean in half so that it will be completely covered by the vodka.
- Place the 2 halves of the vanilla bean in the bottle. Carefully pour 12 ounces of vodka into the bottle.
- Seal the bottle and give it a nice shake. Store in a cool, dark place and shake every 1-2 days. After 14 days your homemade vanilla vodka will be ready to enjoy. Strain the vanilla beans from the vodka and store the vodka in the sealable glass bottle.
Notes
- This is a small batch recipe. If you want to make more, use a full bottle of vodka and 2 vanilla beans.
- After 12-14 days, remove the vanilla beans from the vodka or you will end up with vanilla extract. Don't throw the beans away, you can still use them for baking!
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Jill says
Wonderful! I love flavored vodka but don't have room for a big bottle of every flavor. I made some your way and absolutely love the result. Just enough vanilla flavor - thanks so much!
Emily says
Thanks, Jill! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Candace says
I put 2 large pods in a bottle of Absolute. it's been a couple of weeks, and there are various things floating around...some of it looks slimy/stringy. Could it have molded on me?
Emily says
Hi Candace, I don’t think it would mold unless the beans were not completely submerged and exposed to air. You could strain the bits and see how it does. The alcohol should keep it clean.