Queen Vanilla extracts are made by combining pure vanilla beans with a mixture of alcohol (sugar cane-derived ethanol) and water. This allows the flavour compounds from the pure vanilla bean to infuse into the alcohol/water mixture, which then forms the pure vanilla extract.

Why are extracts made with alcohol?

Alcohol is an excellent solvent for herbs, because it can extract the compounds and active ingredients that aren't water-soluble, such as essential oils, alkaloids and resins. It's also the only edible solvent that can effectively extract the ingredients required.

Do extracts contain alcohol?

The federal organization also requires that all extracts, including artificial extracts, contain a minimum of 35 percent alcohol. This means that for most vanilla extracts, four to five ounces should be enough to get a person drunk.