Citrus Vanilla Extract

Aug 20, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Pantry Vanilla extracts infusions Origin: Tahitian Vanilla: Beans Easy

Homemade citrus vanilla extract made by steeping whole vanilla beans in vodka. About 10 minutes of hands-on time, then at least 8 weeks to mature. Best vanilla for this: Tahitian (floral, cherry, anise), or Madagascar (rich, creamy, classic). Any pure vanilla works.

Prep 10 min

Cook —

Steep 8 weeks

Total 8 weeks

Yield 16 teaspoons

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

teaspoons

8.0vanilla beans, split
1.0 cup (240.0 ml)vodka (35-40% ABV)
3.0wide strips of orange peel, white pith removed

Make it at home

As an Amazon Associate, VanillaGoods earns from qualifying purchases. We only suggest tools that fit this recipe.

Instructions

Split each vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the tiny seeds inside, leaving the two halves attached at one end.
Place the beans in a clean glass jar and pour in the vodka until the beans are fully submerged.
Add the orange peel strips to the jar with the vanilla beans.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark cupboard away from sunlight.
Shake the jar once a week and let it steep for at least 8 weeks; the liquid will darken to a deep amber as it develops. Longer steeping (6 months or more) yields richer flavor.
Use as needed, topping up with a little vodka to keep the beans covered and extend the batch over time.

Tips

Zest only the colored part of the peel; the white pith underneath is bitter.
Choosing vanilla: Tahitian vanilla (floral, cherry, anise) suits this recipe best; Madagascar (rich, creamy, classic) is a great alternative, and any pure vanilla works.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make vanilla extract?

Plan on 10 minutes of prep, then 8 weeks to steep. The recipe makes 48 teaspoons.

How should I store vanilla extract?

Store in a cool, dark cupboard. Homemade extract keeps indefinitely and keeps improving as it ages.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 16 servings this recipe makes.

11 Calories / serving

0.0g Fat

0.1g Carbs

0.0g Protein

0.0g Sugar

Whole recipe (16 servings): ~176 cal · 0g fat · 2g carbs · 0g protein · 0g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 11 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 2 min·0.1 mi·~250 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 1 min·0.1 mi·~100 steps
Moderate cycling 1 min·0.2 mi
Swimming laps 2 min
Jogging 1 min·0.1 mi·~150 steps
Stair climbing 1 min·~100 steps
Dancing 2 min
Bodyweight circuit training 1 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 3 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.