Almond Extract is probably my favorite extract. I’ve been making my own extracts for years, and I’ll be honest: most DIY almond extract recipes are too weak. I’ve refined this method using a double-fold technique and a specific roasting process to make sure your holiday cookies actually taste like almond, not just vodka.
Homemade Almond Extract is super easy to make at home and only requires 2 ingredients. Vodka and Raw Almonds.
My extracts have been sitting in their jars for over two weeks now. I made lemon, almond, and mint. The ingredients in the extract need to rest in their jars or containers for over 6 weeks. After 2 weeks the almond extract is really starting to smell like homemade almond extract and so is the lemon extract.
The mint extract isn't doing so well. I'm still going to let it sit for the recommended time and then test the extract with my Frosted Rhubarb Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that calls for almond extract. You can also make any type of homemade coffee syrup with this like this Sugar Cookie Syrup Recipe!
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Why You Will Like This Recipe
Making your own almond extract is a surprisingly simple project that lets you control the quality of the ingredients in your pantry. Here is why you might love adding this DIY recipe to your baking toolkit:
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need two main components—raw, blanched almonds and a high-proof alcohol like vodka—to get started. It’s a straightforward, low-effort process that relies more on patience than complex techniques.
- Control Over Flavor: Commercial almond extract can sometimes have a harsh or overly synthetic taste. By making it yourself, you get to experiment with the steeping time to achieve a strength and flavor profile that works best for your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Gifting: Since it needs to sit for about 6 weeks, it’s an excellent project to start during the autumn months. By the time the holidays arrive, you’ll have thoughtful, handcrafted gifts ready for the bakers in your life.
Ingredients Needed for Almond Extract
Blanched Almonds: Always start with raw, skinless (blanched) almonds. The skins can add an unwanted bitterness that might overwhelm the extract.
High-Proof Alcohol: Aim for a good quality, 80-proof (40% alcohol) vodka or higher. The alcohol acts as both the solvent to extract the flavor and a natural preservative.
How to Make Homemade Extract
Step 1 To make homemade almond extract, you will need whole raw almonds and vodka or another high-proof alcohol.
Step 2 Start by blanching the almonds, removing their skins, and then chopping them into small pieces. Place the chopped almonds into a jar and pour the alcohol over them, making sure they are fully submerged.
Step 3 Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least a month, shaking it occasionally.
Recipe Tips: I just got these nifty glass storage bowls with a tight cover on them at Aldi next month. They are great for making homemade extracts. Then just pour it in a jar like the image shows above.
Step 4 After a month, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and transfer the liquid to a dark bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Your homemade almond extract is now ready to use in your favorite recipes!
Tips for Making Homemade Extracts
Find a storage container: I went to Michaels and found some jars. A smaller sized jar will work (8oz or less) or any type of bottle used to store extracts in. If you are looking for real extract bottles Amazon has them.
Round Glass Bottle Jars
Use Good Vodka: The best type of vodka to use for homemade extracts is good strong vodka, 80% proof, or higher. The brand I used was Absolute Vodka.
Extract Flavors: You can make just about any flavor of extract you want with this method. Mint, lemon, orange, vanilla, you name it!
Vanilla bean pods are really expensive just for one at the grocery stores. It is best to buy them in bulk online somewhere. Make a slit or indent in the pods and add them to the jars!
10 Vanilla Bean Pods - Whole Extract Grade Be for Baking
For lemon extract or orange, peel off the rinds and make sure to not get any of the white pith on the skin.
Recipe FAQs
Homemade almond extract can be used in various baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and pastries to add a rich almond flavor. It can also be used in beverages like coffee, tea, and cocktails for a nutty twist.
Additionally, it can be used in savory dishes such as marinades, dressings, and sauces to enhance the flavor profile.
Blanched Skinless almonds work the best for homemade extract. Before I had used almonds with the skin on and that did not work. I was able to find raw blanched almonds in the organic section of my grocery store.
365 Everyday Value, Almonds, Blanched & Slivered, 8 oz
If you tried this Homemade Almond Extract or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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DIY: Homemade Almond Extract
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 3-5 days
- Total Time: 3-5 days
- Yield: 1 jar 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: MIx
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Almond Extract is super easy to make at home and only requires 2 ingredients. Vodka and Raw Almonds.
Ingredients
- 4 oz of slivered almonds (blanched)
- 4 oz. good vodka (80% proof or higher)
- Small Jars or Bottles to store the extracts in
Instructions
- Drop the almonds into the bottom of your jar or bottle.
- Pour the vodka over the almonds and fill it to the top of the bottle. Put the lid on and close tightly.
- Place the vodka and almond mixture in a cool and dark place, like a pantry or garage, and let the mixture sit for 6 weeks.
- Shake the mixture every 3 to 5 days for the entire 2 month period.
Notes
FYI: (5/17/20) This post needs to be updated and I plan on working on that. Please stay tuned for updates!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Jenna says
Thanks for the tip Tyler!
Tyler says
If you aren't using high enough proof vodka, or low quality vodka, it won't flavor well. as an alternative you can use neutral grain spirit (be careful though it's flammable) to concentrate flavors without vodka impurities.
Jenna says
Did you use RAW almonds when you made this? I'm only asking because raw is the only type of almonds that will for this.
Vodka is still good to drink. Up to you to decide if you want to toss it.
Heather says
I forgot mine and it’s been almost a year. I still has a strong vodka smell. Is it good or do I need to start over?
Reda says
I forgot mine for a year. I strained them this morning and they smell highly of the vodka even after a year. Is this normal or did I leave it too long?
Susi says
Bring a pot of water to a boil, throw your almonds in and let the almonds sit in the boiling water for one minute. Strain into a colander then peel the almonds with your fingers. Watch out, the almonds want to shoot across the room when you peel 'em!
Patti says
I would think and will try Hot tap water to soak skins Off. I promise to try this And report back. Now where will I find thatcolored bottle?
Jenna says
If you can't find skinless almonds just use regular almonds. The extract will not be clear though.
Paula says
How did you peal the almonds . It says skinless almonds. Could not find them.
April says
I've got some almonds extract that's been sitting 5 months. And it STILL doesn't taste like almonds. It only has that strong vodka taste. But the almond extract that I bought has a distinct almond smell and taste. What am I missing.