free printable homemade vanilla extract labels

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract and Label Your Bottles

Are you tired of spending a small fortune on vanilla extract? Making your own homemade vanilla extract is easy, inexpensive, and can be customized to your taste preferences. In this article, we'll explore the best types of alcohol to use for making homemade vanilla extract, as well as provide a simple recipe and printable labels for your bottles.

Any inexpensive 40% (80 proof) alcohol will work just fine for making homemade vanilla extract. You don't need to break the bank by buying top-shelf liquor. In fact, none of them will be bad, so it's not like you'll be wasting anything. I personally prefer using light rum, as it seems to give my vanilla extract a slightly sweeter flavor.

However, if you're looking for a more neutral flavor, vodka is the way to go. And if you're just starting out, vodka is a good choice because it's easy to find and won't break the bank. Most recipes I've found online call for vodka, so it's a good option if you're new to making homemade vanilla extract.

So, what do you need to get started? Just two ingredients: rum (or another type of alcohol) and vanilla beans. That's it! Simply punch a hole in each tag and tie it onto the bottle with baker's twine or a ribbon, adding a 'ready to use' date 6-8 weeks from when you make it.

If you're short on time or prefer not to create your own labels, you can buy premade round labels to print your wording on. And if you're planning to give homemade vanilla extract as gifts, there's really no reason to repackage it. Just leave it in the bottle and add a pretty ribbon or bow.

Making homemade vanilla extract is not only easy, but it also makes for a fantastic gift. And the best part? It will save you a significant amount of money. I use a lot of vanilla in my baking, so making my own extract has saved me a small fortune over the years.

Free Printable Labels

If you're interested in giving homemade vanilla extract as gifts, I've created free printable labels that you can download below. Simply print them out on cardstock, cut them to size, and tie them onto your bottles with baker's twine or a ribbon.

By making your own homemade vanilla extract, you'll not only save money, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your extracts. And who knows? You may just find that your homemade vanilla extract tastes better than store-bought versions.

Get Ready for More Homemade Holiday Inspiration

This week in November, I'm sharing a series of posts filled with recipes, crafts, decorating ideas, and more to help you make the most of the holiday season. Click here to check out all the posts and get inspired!

Free printable homemade vanilla extract labels