Can You Make Vanilla Extract With Rum?

Well hello friends! I am here to answer a very common question about making your own vanilla extract. You may remember I shared a vanilla extract recipe a few years ago. But, I made that one with vodka. So can you make vanilla extract with rum?

I am here today to answer that very question. And dive into exactly how to make vanilla extract with rum. It’s really fun and interesting to make your own homemade vanilla extract. As you can use a combination of different ingredients.

And the best part is, it is so easy to make! These always make for a great gift for someone too. I love to make vanilla during Christmastime and pass it out as holiday gifts. But, you do need to keep in mind that you need time for it to steep.

So even if you start making them now, you are ahead of the game! That way, if another event comes up this year that you need a homemade gift for, you already have it done! Keep on reading for the full recipe card and see for yourself just how easy and simple this can be! 

This post also contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission off anything you purchase through here, at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.

Materials Needed For Homemade Vanilla Extract

• Vanilla beans in a pod (you can use Madagascar vanilla beans, Tahitian vanilla beans, Mexican vanilla beans, basically any type of vanilla bean your heart desires!) 
• Glass Bottles 
• Vanilla Extract Labels
• Rum
• Funnel 
• Ribbon, optional

What Type of Vanilla Bean Is Best To Make Homemade Extract With?

As you can see above, there are a ton of different options when it comes to whole vanilla beans. So you may be wondering what type of bean is best to make homemade extract with?

In full disclosure, I used the same type of vanilla bean I used for my vodka extract. I wanted to mainly focus on the different alcohols first to see how and if they affected the flavor of the extract.

The fresh beans I used were gourmet grade A vanilla beans from Amazon, so nothing too fancy. But after researching the ultimate best beans for extract, it seems to be that the Bourbon Madagascar beans were a winner.

This variety is known for its rich and full flavor, making it ideal for infusing into alcohol to create a delicious vanilla extract. The sweetness of the vanilla beans really make a difference when it comes to the extract.

The next time I make my vanilla extract, I think I will try these beans out too. That way I can see if there really is a difference in taste there. 

What Is The Difference Between Grade A and Grade B Vanilla Beans?

Grade A vanilla beans are typically longer, plumper, and more moist than Grade B vanilla beans. These beans also have a higher vanillin content, which gives them a stronger and more intense vanilla flavor.

Grade B beans are usually smaller, drier, and less visually appealing, but they are still good quality and are often used in cooking and baking tasks where appearance is not as important. Grade B beans also have a more subtle and nuanced flavor compared to Grade A beans.

What Type of Rum is Best For Rum-Based Vanilla Extract?

After researching this question thoroughly, it seems that a spiced or dark rum would be best. These types of rum have a rich flavor profile that will complement the vanilla. Some popular choices include Bacardi Dark, Captain Morgan, Kraken, or Goslings Black Seal.

However, I am not fancy and did not have any of those on hand. I actually just bought the cheapest white rum I could find at the liquor store and used that. And honestly, I can’t tell a difference. The vanilla still tastes amazing to me!

But again, if I make it in the future, I may spread out and try what’s recommended and see how it affects the flavor profile compared to the white rum. 

How Do You Make Vanilla Extract With Rum?

Now that we got some background information behind us, here is the fun part! Actually making the vanilla extract! The first thing you need to do is split vanilla beans.

To do this, just grab a sharp knife and cutting board. Then, leaving a little room on the top of the pod, start cutting a straight line down with the tip of a sharp knife. Careful not to cut all the way through.

Leave a little room on the bottom of the pod too. That way, the vanilla pods are still attached, but the center is cut open. This exposes all the beans easier. This is probably the hardest part of making your vanilla extract.

And really it’s not that big of a deal. Even if you accidentally cut a pod all the way through, it will still work. 

Then, place the split beans into a glass jar. You could use mason jars, or if you wanted to order some cute jars like I did for gifts, that works too.

The amount of beans varies per jar based on the size of jar you are using. I used about 4-5 pods per each jar. Then, using a small funnel, I poured the rum into the jar.

After securing the lid, I gave it a good shake and then placed it away in the pantry. Make sure your jars/bottles you get have a tight-fitting lid since you do need to shake it occasionally!

You don’t want it sitting out in direct sunlight while it steeps. So a closed pantry at room temperature is a perfect option.

Or anywhere in your home that is a cool dark place like a pantry. You need to let this steep for at least 30 days before actually using it. You will notice it turns darker in color as time goes on. And, be sure to shake it occasionally as you let it steep. 

DIY Vanilla Extract Gifts

If you want to make these as gifts during the holiday season, you may want to include some labels on your bottles like I did here. I actually just ordered some from Etsy.

And I really liked them because they had a spot on the back where you could put the date it was bottled. That way the person you are gifting it to knows when they can use it by.

Especially if you don’t get the chance to make that far in advance for a gift in time. I also tied a little ribbon around the neck of the bottle to make it more festive.

The end result is so cute and simple! Your friends and family will love this homemade extract! And trust me, it is so much better than store-bought vanilla extract! That’s why I keep making it time and time again! 

Can You Tell A Difference Between Homemade Vanilla Extract Using Vodka And Vanilla Extract Using Rum?

In my personal opinion, I think I like the rum one better. The main difference between vanilla extract made with rum and vanilla extract made with vodka is the flavor profile.

Rum is made from sugar cane and has a slightly sweet and complex flavor profile with notes of molasses, caramel, and spice. This can add a unique depth and complexity to the vanilla extract.

Vodka, on the other hand, is a neutral spirit and has a cleaner, more neutral flavor that allows the vanilla flavor to shine through more prominently.

Ultimately, the choice between rum and vodka for making vanilla extract comes down to personal preference and how you want to use the extract in your cooking and baking.

Rum-infused vanilla extract may be better suited for richer, more complex desserts, while vodka-infused vanilla extract may be more versatile and suitable for a wider range of recipes. I think the rum one is a little richer and sweeter.

So ultimately I love that. I recently used it for my Easter M&M Cookies I made and I thought it made them so much more delicious! But again, I would just try both out and see which one is your favorite!

Enjoy Your Homemade Vanilla Extract With Rum!

I think it is so cool that the type of alcohol and the type of beans affect the taste so much. You can really create a subtle, different flavor every time you make vanilla extract!

And it’s made with such simple ingredients too. It doesn’t get much easier than a 2 ingredient recipe! And you will never want to go back to a store-bought extract again once you make this!

If you make your own vanilla extract at home too, let me know what kind of alcohol and beans you use to create your own too! I’d love to hear all the different options!