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.
TommyO says
So, I'm thinking, maybe I will just use a strainer to take out the bigger pieces but let the tiny seeds through. Don't we pay big bucks for Breyer's to leave black specks in their ice cream?
Emily says
Tommy, that's exactly what I do and I think you should too! Cheers 🍸
Shelley K Battistoni says
And im thinking if you didnt have an empty bottle available, you could tie a string to the bean stem so once its been two weeks just fish out the pod. And yes leave the seeds
Emily says
Great idea, Shelley! Seeds all day! Cheers 🍸
DAN @ Sauce Grandmaster says
Awesome, I think it'll be a hit.
Tatiana says
I tripled the batch and it worked really well. Thanks
Emily says
So smart. Thanks for giving it a try!
Linda says
Love making this vanilla vodka as a gift!
Emily says
So smart. Definitely make a double batch, one for you and one for a friend 😃
Stine Mari says
Such a fabulous recipe, I’ve been thinking of making my own vanilla vodka for a while now!
Nora says
I love using vanilla vodka for my homemade advocaat. Never thought of making the vanilla vodka myself! Now I am able to do so, and it's so easy! Thank you!
Emily says
You are so welcome, Nora. This will be a great addition to your home bar.
nancy says
lovely weekend drink. i love the hint of vanilla
Giangi Townsend says
I love this recipe and it is so good. I use Vodka often and with the vanilla it gives it that sweet taste to it that I love.
Emily says
Thanks for giving it a try, Giangi!
Luke says
A fantastic vodka recipe love vanilla, and this was awesome 🙂
Emily says
Thanks, Luke. I'm so glad you liked it.
Jeri says
This looks tasty! I'm adding it to my list of things to make on Spring Break!
Cindy says
I’ll be adding this vodka vanilla recipe to my arsenal
Bernice says
How fun! I can think of so many great cocktails to use this in.
Emily says
Thanks, Bernice! Share that list with me...😂 Cheers!
Alexandra says
This is so delicious and would make a fantastic gift!
Emily says
Yes, I agree it would make a fantastic gift!