8 oz. Liquor (Vodka, Light Rum, or Bourbon)
5 – 6 Vanilla Beans (see note for more exact proportions)

Beginning just under the curved end of the vanilla bean pod, split the pod lengthwise leaving the curved top intact.  Place the split bean pods in the liquor; close bottle and shake.

Place the bottle in a cool, dark location.  Shake the bottle at least daily for two weeks, and then about weekly for an additional six weeks.

Note:  The United States Food and Drug Administration’s definition of single-fold vanilla extract requires that 13.35 ounces of vanilla bean pods (containing not more than 25% moisture) be used per US gallon of liquor (35% or higher alcohol content, or a minimum of 70 proof).  For double-fold extract, double the number of vanilla bean pods.  (see Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Sections 169.3 and 169.175)

The table below lists the approximate number of vanilla bean pods required based on various amounts of liquor.  These are based on approximately 50 vanilla beans per 1/2 pound:

 

Ounces Vanilla Bean per Liter (Per FDA)	Liquor Millilitres (ml)	Liquor Fluid Ounces	Vanila Beans Ounces (oz.)	Approximate No. of Beans
0.003526697	100	3.38	0.35	2.20
	118.4	4.00	0.42	2.61
	150	5.07	0.53	3.31
Beans per 1/2 lb:	200	6.76	0.71	4.41
50	236.5	8.00	0.83	5.21
	250	8.45	0.88	5.51
	300	10.14	1.06	6.61
	375	12.68	1.32	8.27
	473.1	16.00	1.67	10.43
	500	16.91	1.76	11.02
	750	25.36	2.65	16.53
	1000	33.81	3.53	22.04
	1750	59.17	6.17	38.57