A few years ago, I made my own Vanilla Extract. It took a few months (anywhere from 3-6 months) for the vanilla beans and vodka to blend into an aromatic extract that I could use in my baking! I also made a few bottles for Christmas presents, but that meant planning ahead several months in advance.
Now, with the Instant Pot, it takes as little as 30 minutes! Today, I’m making a cinnamon extract. I saw the recipe over at Tidbits Inspiration for Tasty Living! I went to the local Wine & Spirits store near me to buy the Vodka. Although, the recipe recommended the red label Smirnoff Vodka 80 proof, the woman at the liquor store recommended Nikolai. I also watched other videos on how to make vanilla extract and one person used the more expensive brand and also a cheaper brand and she said there was no difference in the finished extract. Being on the frugal side, I went with the cheaper brand.
Either one would work, so it’s really your personal preference.
Supplies:
Cinnamon Sticks
Mason jar with lid and ring
Nikolai Vodka
I put 6 cinnamon sticks into the glass mason jar, then filled the jar with the vodka leaving about a 2″ head space, placed the jar lid and ring on and tightened slightly.
Add, 1 cup of water to the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
Insert the trivet and place the jar on top.
Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to the sealed position.
and using the Manual option, cook for 30 minutes.
Do a Natural Pressure Release.
Carefully remove the jar from the Instant Pot and place on the counter to cool overnight.
You can leave the extract in the mason jar or put it into smaller glass bottles.
Store in the cupboard, no need to refrigerate. You can leave the cinnamon sticks in or remove them.
I’m going to leave mine in just to see if it helps the flavor!
I’m excited to try this in my recipes! Here is a Cinnamon Apple Brew just in time for fall gatherings.
- 1 bottle (64 ounces) apple juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon Extract
- 1 teaspoon Cloves, Whole
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
Mix ingredients in a large saucepan and simmer 30 minutes. Strain. Serve warm or cold.
