I did use a high end vodka, actually. Since it’s not FDA approved “pure vanilla extract” unless it’s a certain percentage of alcohol, I used a high proof organic vodka. Although, if you want complete honesty, I mostly chose it because the bottle was beautiful.

But also, vanilla beans themselves are pretty expensive. Still, it was definitely a great experience and I got some beautiful extract out of it so I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Rebecca, I wish I still had that round tuit. I think it met its fate at a yard sale or thrift store drop-off — probably a good thing for the good of the house I grew up in, but a little sad for the tuit (although, what sort of life did it have in the junk drawer for 15 years?). Go for the extract. Outside of purchasing the needed goods, and the necessary initial cash investment (think of it this way: it’s cheaper than going to Mexico and bringing back a giant $5 bottle of extract), it’ll take you minutes and last indefinitely.

I, too, love vanilla and it is the ingredient I add to EVERYTHING. I made my own vanilla extract a few months ago and I loved both the process and the result (although, I found it to be a little expensive). I cut up the vanilla beans to help them fit in the jar a bit better and quicken the extraction process. Also, about once a week, I got it out and shook the whole thing up just to get everything mixed and moving again. I’ve never added rum and if you do, you need to let us know how it works!