How to Make Infused Vanilla Extract
(the secret weapon for next-level baked goods and cocktails – pure, potent, shelf-stable)
Infused vanilla extract is the easiest long-term infusion: alcohol pulls cannabinoids and terps slowly over weeks, resulting in crystal-clear, flavor-rich extract with no green notes. Use it drop-for-drop in any recipe calling for vanilla – cookies, cakes, ice cream, old fashioneds.
What you need (for ~8 oz @ 500 mg THC total)
- 2.5 g flower @ 22–25 % THC (or 1.25 g good kief) → ~500 mg usable THC
- 8 oz (240 ml) neutral high-proof spirit (Everclear 190-proof ideal; 151 vodka works)
- 6–8 Grade B vanilla beans (split lengthwise – bourbon or Madagascar)
- 8–12 oz dark glass bottle (amber dropper or swing-top)
Decarboxylation
240 °F for 40 minutes in sealed mason jar → cool completely.
The cold-extraction method (no heat = max terp preservation)
1. Roughly chop or grind decarbed material (fine but not powder – easier straining).
2. Split vanilla beans → scrape seeds → add beans + seeds + cannabis to bottle.
3. Pour spirit over → fill to top → seal tight.
4. Store dark cool place → shake daily first week, then weekly.
5. Taste test at 4 weeks → strain at 6–12 weeks (longer = stronger vanilla depth).
6. Fine strain: coffee filter or cheesecloth → bottle clean extract.
Results
- Color: deep amber-brown
- Flavor: rich vanilla with subtle toasted nut from cannabis (no harsh green when decarbed right)
- Potency: alcohol extracts ~95% cannabinoids
- Shelf life: indefinite (high proof + no water)
Dosing examples
- 1 tsp ≈ 10–15 mg THC (test your batch)
- Few drops in coffee = morning microdose
- 1 tbsp in cake batter = elevated dessert
Pro tips
- Use live rosin instead of flower for zero plant material – fastest, cleanest (dissolves in days).
- Double vanilla beans for dominant flavor masking.
- For faster extraction: gentle warm water bath 100 °F first 48 hours (don't exceed).
- Label with strain + date – potency increases over months.
This extract lives in the pantry forever and turns basic recipes into signature treats.
One bottle elevates everything.
Vanilla + cannabis – timeless combo unlocked.
Extract on.