I started making a homemade vanilla extract.  You just need 3 or 4 vanilla beans per bottle.  I used vodka 700ml and 4 vanilla beans.  You can also choose another alcohol, such as dark rum, or gin. I think vodka is the best to make vanilla extract though. Slice each vanilla beans once long-ways and place in the alcohol bottle.  Shake once or twice for 2 weeks and wait for about 2 to 3 months to use!