How to Make Vanilla Extract and More Homemade Extract, lemon extract and orange extract with printable labels.

How to Make Vanilla Extract and More Homemade Extracts

Once you make homemade extracts for baking, you’ll never need to buy store-bought again! With just vodka and a few ingredients, learn how to make vanilla extract and more homemade extracts (i.e. lemon extract, orange extract) for baking, with free printable labels. It’s also a great DIY gift for the holidays!

How to Make Vanilla Extract and More Homemade Extract, lemon extract and orange extract with printable labels.
How to Make Vanilla Extract and More Homemade Extracts

Once you make homemade extracts for baking, you’ll never need to buy store-bought again! With just vodka and a few ingredients, learn how to make vanilla extract and more homemade extracts (i.e. lemon extract, orange extract) for baking, with free printable labels. It’s also a great DIY gift for the holidays!

Homemade vanilla extract in a glass bottle with label.

I don’t know about you, but when I want to find a little escape in the day, I find that there is nothing more therapeutic than baking. Between kneading a dough, whisking ingredients, and the scent of something sweet in the oven filling the kitchen, it’s easy to forget your worries. It’s no wonder that stressed is desserts spelled backward!

The chemistry of following a recipe is soothing, and you know what brings instant joy? Opening that bottle of vanilla extract and the scent of cozy that greets your nose as you add it to a batter. I go through so many bottles and bottles of vanilla extract, and I realized, it’s been a while since I made homemade vanilla extract — it was time to revisit it, given how easy it is!

Vanilla bean in vodka for homemade vanilla extract in a bottle.

Making homemade lemon extract for baking.

But I couldn’t just stop there. Extracts made with lemon and citrus sounded like the perfect thing for spring — and since I already had a big supply vodka, well, I may as well stock up! It would be perfect for adding to Meyer Lemon Buttermilk Pudding or Lemon Spritz Cookies!

Free labels for homemade vanilla extract.

Homemade vanilla, orange and lemon extracts in bottles.

How to Make Homemade Extracts

If you’ve never made homemade extracts before, you are in for a big surprise. It is SO EASY! All you need is alcohol (i.e. 70 proof vodka, and it doesn’t have to be expensive, either) vanilla beans (or lemon zest, etc.) and time. That’s it. It makes me wonder why I buy vanilla from the store sometimes. In about 4 weeks, you will have extracts that are perfect for everything from desserts to cocktails!

Glass bottle of DIY orange extract.

While you’re at it, make some for friends and family! It’s the perfect hostess gift (especially if you’re like me, scrambling at the last minute for a gift) or DIY holiday present. I’ve made printable labels that are free for you to download and use! All you have to do is print it on a full sheet adhesive label (or simply use your favorite paper and glue), and tada!

Glass bottles of DIY orange, vanilla and lemon extracts.

Free Printable Labels: Homemade Extracts

Click here to download:
HOMEMADE EXTRACT LABELS

Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in the post, see my Disclosure p

How to Make Vanilla Extract (and More Homemade Extracts)

Once you've made extracts at home, you may never buy store-bought again! It also makes a perfect hostess or holiday gift!
How to Make Vanilla Extract and More Homemade Extract, lemon extract and orange extract with printable labels.
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4.64 from 11 votes
Course Condiments
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 bottle
Calories 1746kcal

Ingredients

Homemade Vanilla Extract

  • 7 vanilla beans
  • 8 oz vodka 70 proof

Homemade Lemon Extract

  • 1 lemon
  • 8 oz vodka 70 proof

Homemade Orange Extract

  • 1 orange
  • 8 oz vodka

Instructions

Homemade Vanilla Extract

  • Split the vanilla beans lengthwise (or cut into 1" size pieces) and place into a container (a glass bottle works best). Fill the container with alcohol, preferably vodka, and let beans infuse at least 4 weeks, shaking gently every few days. Stored in a cool dark place.

Homemade Lemon Extract

  • Use a peeler to remove the rind from a clean lemon and place into a container (a glass bottle works best). Fill the container with alcohol, preferably vodka, and infuse for 4 weeks or more, shaking gently every few days. Stored in a cool dark place.

Homemade Orange Extract

  • Use a peeler to remove the rind from a clean orange and place into a container (a glass bottle works best). Fill the container with alcohol, preferably vodka, and infuse for 4 weeks or more, shaking gently every few days. Stored in a cool dark place.

Notes

Materials I Used

Free Printable Labels: Homemade Extracts

Download here: Homemade Extract Labels

Nutrition

Calories: 1746kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 295IU | Vitamin C: 127mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 0.6mg
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Comments

Recipe Rating




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  1. Michelle Carder

    You need 1 oz vanilla beans for 8 oz of vodka. Vanilla beans vary to much in size to give as a number of beans!

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Thanks, Michelle, I will be sure to update the recipe card; I do find that in general, 7 vanilla beans is about 1 oz of beans for me!

      Reply
  2. Allison

    1 star
    Vanilla needs to sit for a MINIMUM of 12 months. If you’re going to post this stuff, give correct information.

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      I have found that with excellent quality beans, the minimum 4 weeks works, though I do agree that the longer it sits, the better.

      Reply
    • Angie Mck

      5 stars
      She did give the correct information….
      You can let it sit up to a year, but you don’t have to. 4 weeks minimum works well also.

      Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Hi Linda, the key to making sure the extract is not bitter is to make sure you only add the yellow part of the citrus peel; the white pith is bitter, so be sure to peel the thin skin of your lemons!

      Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Hi Jean! I haven’t tested it yet, but I believe that if you do equal parts maple syrup to vodka, that will create a maple flavored extract. Be sure to use pure maple syrup!

      Reply
  3. Vikki Perpinan

    Do we need to strain out the orange or lemon peel?

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Hi Vikki, I like to remove the citrus peels once the extract has developed the flavor/strength I prefer!

      Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Hi there! As long as the extracts are stored properly (tightly sealed and ideally, in a dark cupboard), it can last several years!

      Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Hi, Diana! Yes, I try my best to just use the peel. The white can be bitter, so I use a vegetable peeler and that works well.

      Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Hi Brandi, you shouldn’t have to strain the extracts, but if for some reason you find that things disintegrated and you have particles in your extract, then yes, it would be a good idea. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  4. Becky

    Can anyone please tell me how long I have to wait after using the vanilla then adding more vodka to my vanilla

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      I would wait a minimum of 4 weeks before using the vanilla extract; the longer you wait, the darker it will become, and the flavor will be more pronounced. When the extract starts to run low, add more vodka, then let it steep again for another 4 weeks before using!

      Reply
    • Alison K

      I love making vanilla (and am super excited about making lemon extract now that I have this recipe)! My vanilla takes a long time…different beans seem to take longer. I have some that are a year and some 18mo. If you want to speed it up, you can cut your beans to expose the caviar inside…that may help a bit.

      Reply
  5. Kathleen

    5 stars
    Can you tell me what label template you used? Thank you. And thank you for these great extract recipes.

    Reply
  6. jayne miner

    Could I fill a larger bottle, then after 4 weeks, fill smaller ones for gifts? Will the flavour keep?

    Reply
  7. Aysegul Sanford

    5 stars
    I have made my own vanilla extract in the past, but never thought about incorporating citrus in it. Such a great idea.
    As always, you inspire me everyday. ❤️

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      It makes me realize how much I want to experiment more with citrus extracts! Thank you, Ayse, believe me, I am so inspired by you, too! xo

      Reply
  8. Kankana

    Ever since I made my first vanilla extract several years ago, I am hooked to it. Never buy vanilla extract any more. The homemade versions are so good. You inspired me to try lemon exact :)

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      I agree! I forget how easy and even more delicious homemade extracts are! I can’t wait to see what you do with lemon extract, Kankana!

      Reply
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