Vanilla extract is a kitchen staple, used in everything from cookies and cakes to sauces and beverages. But if you’ve ever looked at the ingredient label on a bottle, you’ll notice that most traditional extracts are made with alcohol. While that’s standard and perfectly safe, it’s not ideal for everyone, for a variety of reasons.

That’s where glycerin-based vanilla extract comes in. With food-grade vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol, you get an extract that’s easy to make and delicious, without the ethanol alcohol.

Why Glycerin Is a Good Substitute for Alcohol

Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a natural, plant-based sweetener that’s clear, syrupy, and slightly viscous. It’s commonly derived from soy, coconut, or palm oils and is entirely food-safe when labeled as “food-grade.” Glycerin can serve a similar role to ethanol alcohol, acting as a solvent that draws out and preserves the flavors and aromas in vanilla beans.

Food-grade glycerin technically isn’t alcohol free as it does have sugar alcohol present. However, this is very different than alcohol that contains ethanol, which is in vodka, rum, bourbon, etc.

The biggest difference you’ll notice in a glycerin-based extract is some extra sweetness and thickness, but this can make it even smoother for a great dessert flavor. And it’s a great alternative if you avoid alcohol or want to share your creation with children.

Another benefit? Glycerin-based vanilla extract stays shelf-stable for years without refrigeration, just like its alcohol-based counterpart.

Ingredients for Glycerin-Based Vanilla Extract

To make about 8 ounces of vanilla extract, start by gathering just a few ingredients and supplies.

• • 1-ounce whole vanilla beans from Vanilla Bean Kings
  • 3 parts food-grade vegetable glycerin to 1 part distilled water
  • A clean glass jar (make sure the lid fits well)

Vanilla Extract with Glycerin Recipe

1. 1. Prepare the Beans: Slice the vanilla beans lengthwise to find the tiny seeds inside (we call this “vanilla caviar”). You can leave them whole, cut them in half, or cut them into 1-inch pieces that fit in your jar.
   2. Combine Ingredients: Add the vanilla beans to the glass jar, then pour in the glycerin (and distilled water mixture if you choose) until the beans are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly.
   3. Shake and Steep: Give the jar a gentle shake to mix everything together. Store it in a cool, dark place—like a pantry or cupboard—for at least 6 months. The longer you let it infuse, the deeper and more complex the flavor will become.
   4. Shake Regularly: Shake the jar once a week to help the extraction process. Over time, you’ll notice the liquid darken into that familiar amber hue.
   5. Strain and Store: After your extract is ready to your liking, strain the extract through cheesecloth or a fine sieve into a clean glass jar or bottle.  

Now you’ve created a non-(ethanol)alcoholic vanilla extract that’s ready to enhance your favorite recipes.

Expert Tips for the Best Flavor

• • Use high-quality vanilla beans. The flavor of your extract depends entirely on the beans you choose. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans produce that classic, creamy flavor you associate with baked goods. Tahitian beans add floral, fruity notes that shine in desserts like custards and whipped cream. Ugandan beans create a deep, earthy richness that’s perfect for coffee or chocolate recipes. Note: Add more vanilla beans if you'd like - some say the glycerin does not extract the beans as well as ethanol and adding a few more beans helps with adding that additional flavor. 
  • Be patient. Vanilla extraction takes time, especially with glycerin. For the most robust flavor, allow your extract to steep for six months or longer before using it.
  • Keep the beans submerged. Exposure to air can dry them out. If the beans rise to the top, weigh them down with a clean glass bead or shake the jar periodically.
  • Reuse the beans. Once you’ve strained your extract, don’t toss those pods. They can be dried and added to sugar to make homemade vanilla sugar—or used in another batch of extract.

Creative Ways to Use Non-Alcoholic Vanilla Extract

Once your extract is ready, you’ll find endless ways to use it in your kitchen.

1. Coffee and Tea: Add a teaspoon to your morning coffee, cold brew, or chai tea for a comforting vanilla aroma that doesn’t need extra sugar.

2. Smoothies and Protein Shakes: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of fruit smoothies and protein drinks without adding calories. It pairs especially well with banana, almond milk, and cinnamon.

3. Frostings and Glazes: Traditional extracts can sometimes taste sharp in uncooked icings due to the alcohol content. Glycerin-based extract eliminates that harshness, leaving a clean, smooth vanilla flavor that shines in buttercream, cream cheese frosting, and glazes.

4. Homemade Whipped Cream: Add ½ teaspoon to heavy cream before whipping for a sweet, floral finish that balances fruit and dessert toppings beautifully.

5. Pancakes, Oatmeal, and Yogurt: A few drops stirred into pancake batter or oatmeal bring cozy, bakery-style flavor. You can even mix it into plain yogurt with honey for an easy vanilla yogurt at home.

6. Non-Alcoholic Cocktails and Mocktails: Add a few drops of glycerin-based extract to citrusy mocktails, sparkling water, or lemonade for a subtle hint of sweetness and sophistication.

Storage and Shelf Life

Glycerin is a natural preservative, which means your homemade extract can last up to two years if stored properly. You will want to check the exact expiration date of the food-grade glycerin you purchased and make note of it on your bottle. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Amber or cobalt glass bottles work best to protect the flavor and color.

If you notice the beans start to dry out, simply remove them, as their flavor will have already been extracted into the liquid.

Bring Real Vanilla Flavor to Every Recipe

Start with the highest quality beans to make your extract shine. Vanilla Bean Kings sources premium Madagascar, Tahitian, and Ugandan vanilla beans, each hand-selected for freshness and flavor.

Shop the full collection of gourmet vanilla beans, extracts, and baking essentials at Vanilla Bean Kings—and start your own batch of alcohol-free vanilla extract today.