This vanilla infused vodka recipe is super simple to make and is perfect for using in any cocktail recipe that could benefit from the taste of real vanilla! It’s made using just two ingredients, and once you combine the ingredients, all you need to do is wait for the flavor to develop!

With over 10 years of experience developing drink recipes at home, I’ve come to love the magic of making homemade infusions and liqueurs. Vanilla vodka is a popular ingredient in many cocktails, like classic espresso martinis, fancy seasonal dessert martinis, and even traditional vodka cocktails like Moscow mules!
Flavored vodkas from your local liquor store lack the depth and warmth of homemade infusions, plus they can get pretty pricey and have strange aftertastes. And unlike making your own vanilla extract, which can sit and infuse for months and months (sometimes years), this infused vodka is ready to use within a few weeks!
why this vanilla vodka recipe works:
🤤 real vanilla taste. Unlike other flavored vodkas that are made with artificial flavors, this recipe uses one whole bean per cup to flavor the vodka with real natural vanilla flavor.
🍸 cocktail ready. Use this vodka to add the taste of vanilla to any cocktail recipe, from espresso martinis to Moscow mules!
🤌 intensifies with time. Other infusions can be over-extracted in flavor, but this vanilla vodka is perfect for using and refilling continuously! In fact, the flavor gets better with time!
🛒 ingredients
See the recipe card for the exact quantities.
🍳 instructions
1: Using a sharp knife, cut a slit in your vanilla beans to open them up. This helps the vodka really soak into the entire bean.
2: Gently pull the bean apart to expose the inside of the vanilla pods.
3: Place the vanilla beans in a bottle or jar, then pour vodka over top of the beans.
4: Pour the vodka into the bottle. Seal the bottle and give it a good shake to help distribute the vanilla throughout the vodka.
5: Stash your vanilla vodka in a dark place out of direct sunlight to infuse. Don’t forget to label it with the date so you remember!
6: Taste your vodka after a week or two, and when it’s got the flavor you like, you can start using it!
Hint: If you’re making an entire bottle, you can just drop the vanilla beans into the bottle of vodka!
Wanna save this recipe for later? 📬
💡tips & tricks for getting it right
🍽️ how to serve your homemade vanilla vodka
- espresso martinis – the most famous vanilla vodka cocktail is probably the classic espresso martini! This vodka blends perfectly with the taste of freshly brewed espresso in this cocktail.
- vodka-based drinks – this infused vodka also adds vanilla flavor to any classic vodka drinks, like white Russians, Moscow mules, and vodka tonics!
- on the rocks – this infusion is also great on it’s own! Serve it chilled on the rocks for an after dinner drink or nightcap!
ℹ️ what to do if your vanilla-infused vodka isn’t quite right
- not enough flavor – if your vanilla vodka isn’t flavorful enough, let it rest a bit longer to infuse. I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it! Also be sure you are shaking your bottle every few days while it’s infusing. Alternately, you can add more beans to help speed up the flavoring process.
⚖️ scaling tips
The best part about making your own infusions is you can make as much as you need at any time. I like to make a little more than I think I need so that I have it on hand for gifts.
🔆 top tip
I love leaving the vanilla beans in the jar, but you can also use them to add to a homemade vanilla extract!
♻️ customize your vanilla vodka!
Missing an ingredient? No problem. Check out these tried-and-true substitutions, or comment below with your question. I’m here to help you troubleshoot!
- spices– you can add spices like cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom to your vodka for a seasonal spiced vanilla vodka!
- use another liquor – swap the vodka for vanilla-infused silver rum, whiskey, or even silver or aged tequila!
🧰 equipment needed & storage tips
🫙 how to properly store your vodka infusions
Once made, this vanilla infused vodka will last about 6-9 months before the flavor starts to lessen in intensity if you remove the vanilla pods. I like to continue to add vanilla pods as I use the vodka, so it kinda lasts…forever. 😎 Since vanilla pods are shelf stable, you can simply leave them in the liquor and continue to add plain vodka to the bottle as you use it!
💬 q+a
What is the difference between vanilla infused vodka and vanilla extract?
Extract is made in a similar fashion to infusions, but it usually takes a lot more vanilla and a LOT more time to make homemade vanilla extract. Infusions are much lighter in flavor. In general, you’re looking at 6-9 months before a homemade vanilla extract is ready to use. This is because it’s usually over-extracted, meaning if you took a sip of it, it wouldn’t taste great on it’s own.
What other liquors can I infuse with vanilla?
You can infuse many other liquors with vanilla, like tequila, aged or silver rum, or whiskey!
What’s the difference between infused liquor or homemade liqueur?
Infused liquor is made with only liquor and the infusion ingredients. Homemade liqueur is sweetened with simple syrup after infusing. This infused liquor doesn’t contain any natural or artificial sweeteners, so it’s classified as a simple infusion not a liqueur.
If you make this recipe, please leave a review in the comments and a star rating!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read every single comment! I also love connecting on social media, so snap a pic and hashtag it #myrecipeforfun and tag me on Instagram, TikTok, or pin this recipe on Pinterest!
Homemade Vanilla Infused Vodka (Vanilla Bean Vodka)
Wanna save this recipe for later? 📬
Equipment
- 1 infusion bottle or jar
- 1 pairing knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 460 g vodka 2 cups
- 2 whole vanilla beans
Instructions
- Slice the vanilla open. Using a sharp knife, cut a slit in two vanilla beans to open them up. This helps the vodka really soak into the entire bean.
- Open the beans. Gently pull the bean apart to expose the inside of the vanilla pods.
- Combine. Place both vanilla beans in a bottle or jar, then pour 460 g vodka (2 cups) over top of the beans.
- Seal & shake. Seal the bottle and give it a good shake to help distribute the vanilla throughout the vodka.
- Infuse. Stash your vanilla vodka in a dark place out of direct sunlight to infuse. Don’t forget to label it with the date so you remember!
- Taste test. Taste your vodka after a week or two, and when it’s got the flavor you like, you can start using it!
- Replenish. You can leave the vanilla in the bottle or jar and continue to add more vodka as you use it.
- Store. Store your infused vodka at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
The information provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition facts calculator and actual nutrition facts may vary.