Step 1: Use 0.8 ounces of vanilla beans per 8 ounces of liquid that you will using, depending on the size of your container. Depending on the size and hydration of your beans, this will equal between 6 and 10. Slice or cut the vanilla beans lengthwise. Then, cut them to fit inside the jar.

Step 2: Place the sliced vanilla beans into the jar.

Step 3: Add your alcohol of choice to the jar until it fully submerges the vanilla beans. Unflavored vodka will give you the purest flavor. Some people, however, prefer the flavor of rum. If you are looking to make alcohol-free vanilla, you can substitute vegetable glycerine. Before choosing glycerine over alcohol, you should know that glycerine will give the vanilla a sweeter taste and will also have a thick and sticky consistency, rather than being a thin liquid like store-bought vanilla.

Step 4: Place the lid tightly on the bottle or jar and shake well.

Step 5: Store in a dark cool place, and give it a little shake every few days. I keep mine in my baking cabinet so that I think of it often. It should age for a minimum of 3 months, but the best flavor is achieved after 6 months. If you are using vegetable glycerine, it needs to age a minimum of 5 months, as the glycerine takes longer to extract the flavor.