Homemade Almond Extract: A Quick And Easy Recipe

Almond extract can be produced in two ways. Pure almond extract involves cold pressing the almonds and combining them with alcohol and water. Imitation almond extract is created using synthetic materials to mimic the flavor of the extracts from almonds or stone fruits. But we are assuming we don’t have cold pressing equipment in our kitchens at home, so let’s look at how to do it simply using alcohol and almonds. 

In fact, you can make extracts from various ingredients such as toasted hazelnuts, lemon peels, blackberries, or vanilla pods. It’s as simple as adding your desired ingredient to a jar along with vodka. There’s no fixed recipe or standardization – just a jar, your chosen ingredient, and vodka. Let it sit for a few weeks, then give it a sniff to see if it’s at the right potency for you.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Homemade Almond Extract

To make most extracts, it is important to choose the right ingredients. For almond extract specifically, the almonds you buy are important. If they are old, they won’t have enough flavor. If they are not organic, they can leech pesticides and other nasties into the extract. If they have skins on, they won’t infuse well, and if they are slivered, they also don’t infuse well. So, I use organic, whole-blanched almonds and crush them a little before adding the vodka to release the oils.

Speaking of the vodka, it can be any brand but needs to be 80% proof at a minimum. This usually means it is around 40% alcohol by volume. 

Step-By-Step Guide to Making Almond Extract at Home

You will need:

• ½ cup of whole, blanched, and unsalted almonds.
• ¾ cup vodka.

To create your own almond extract, gather whole raw almonds and high-proof alcohol like vodka. If you don’t have blanched almonds, begin by blanching them, peeling off their skins, and finely chopping them. If you do have already blanched almonds, skip this step.

1. Lightly crush your blanched almonds with a meat hammer, mortar and pestle, or rolling pin

2. Fill your bottle or jar with the almonds.

3. Add the alcohol so it covers the top of the almonds by about an inch.

4. Shake well.

5. Sit in a room temperature location for a minimum of 6-8 weeks.

6. After eight weeks, smell or taste the extract. If it doesn’t seem strong enough, let it sit for a further couple of weeks.

7. When it is ready, strain it into a clean, airtight container or jar and store it for 1 year or more.

Do I Have to Use Alcohol to Make Extracts?

For creating non-alcoholic extracts, simply replace the alcohol mentioned in any extract recipe with a mixture of three parts food-grade liquid glycerin and one part water. Thoroughly blend these two ingredients together. After that, continue following the recipe as usual.

Tips For Storing and Using Your Homemade Almond Extract

For optimal storage of almond extract, it is recommended to keep it in a cool and dry location, ensuring a well-sealed container. Ideally, almond extract should be used within a year.

When making homemade almond extract, utilize a clean glass jar with a tightly-fitting lid.

How to Adjust Your Almond Extract’s Strength

Allow the flavor to intensify by letting the extract sit longer. Strain it through cheesecloth once it reaches your desired strength, and remove any fruit, herb, or nut remnants. The flavor of the extract intensifies as it sits for a longer duration. Once the extract reaches your preferred strength, strain it through cheesecloth to remove any fruit, herb, or nut remnants.

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