Split 5–6 vanilla beans lengthwise
Place the beans in a clean glass bottle or jar
Add 1 cup of vodka, rum, or bourbon
Make sure the beans are fully submerged
Seal the container tightly
Store in a cool, dark place
Shake the bottle once a week
Let it steep for at least 8 weeks
For best flavor, steep for 6–12 months
Strain if desired before using
Refill with more alcohol once the extract gets low
Keep the beans in the bottle for continued extraction