Syntax Spirits

Vanilla Extract

(Dairy Free, Corn Free, Egg Free!  Some gluten intolerant folks can do wheat vodka, others can’t, so double check with your celiac friends before serving them Class V vodka.)

Vanilla Beans (as many as you want…more makes richer vanilla!)
Class V Vodka (enough to cover)

I really like Matagascar Bourbon Vanilla beans for this recipe, because they have a very rich, unique flavor that’s hard to find in store-bought vanilla.

Slice vanilla beans lengthwise, and pack loosely into a glass jar.  Add enough vodka to cover the beans.  Let sit for a couple of months or more, shaking the jar occasionally.  It just seems to get better with more time, so there’s really no limit on time.  Once you’re happy with the vanilla, you can pour it off into a different bottle, then add more vodka to make a slightly weaker extract from the remaining good stuff in the beans.