Extracts

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Recipe

Makes 3 (8.5 oz) bottles of extract.

Ingredients

• 15 organic vanilla beans (I’ve used Madagascar) or 1/8 cup of freeze-dried strawberries
• 1.75 liters of Aristocrat Vodka

Equipment

• (3) Swing-top bottles (8.5 oz) or mason jars
• Funnel for filling the bottles

Instructions

The prep work for each type of extract is different. For the first part of the instructions, choose the option you prefer:

Option 1 – Starting Vanilla Extract:

1. Slice each vanilla bean lengthwise, exposing the beans inside.
2. Add 5 split vanilla beans to each swing-top bottle.

Option 2 – Starting Strawberry Extract:

1. For strawberry extract, measure 1/8 cup of freeze-dried strawberries or 1/4 cup of fresh strawberries. Freeze-dried strawberries will give a stronger flavor.

Assembling the Extract:

1. Using a funnel, carefully fill each swing-top bottle with Aristocrat vodka. Leave a little space at the top—just enough to cover the vanilla beans or strawberry pieces.
2. Close the swing-top bottle securely and wipe the outside with a disinfectant wipe to prevent mold. Let the bottles dry.
3. Label and Store – Label each bottle with the end date (6 months from today) and store in a cool, dark place for 6 months.
4. Monitor for Mold – Periodically check the bottles for any mold. If you find mold on the outside, clean it off. If mold appears inside, discard the extract.
5. Strain the Extract – After 6 months, strain the extract to remove any solids. Keep the vanilla beans—they can be reused! Discard any fruit or fruit peels as they’ve likely lost their flavor.
6. Final Use & Storage – The extract is now ready to use! You can start using it right away, or continue fermenting for a stronger flavor. Store it in a swing-top bottle, mason jar, or repurposed bottle in a cool, dark place.

Note: Feel free to use any type of vanilla bean you like, such as Tahitian or other varieties. Keep in mind that each bean will offer a unique flavor, so it’s worth doing a little research! You can also experiment with extracts made from fruit peels (like lemon, lime, or orange), fruits, herbs, and nuts. There’s no need to make this large of a batch-start small and adjust the ingredients to suit your needs.

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