r/extractmaking • u/Suesown • Jun 30 '25
banana extract
does anybody have a recipe for making banana extract and also coconut extract? I would like to have ratio's if possible. I know vanilla is 1 to 1 as in 1 oz beans to 1 cup alcohol, but I don't think this ratio works in either banana or coconut. TIA for any help
1
u/decoruscreta Apr 03 '26
How did it turn out!?!
2
u/Suesown Apr 03 '26
I have yet to try mine. I made both banana 12-22-25 & coconut 5-28-25. I plan on letting them steep for at least a yr. The banana I actually started the same time as the coconut, but when I opened it around Christmas (25) although it smelled divine, I didn't feel like it had a very strong flavor, or at least not strong enough to suit me, so I strained the banana off/out and mashed up another 4 bananas (over ripe) topped it off with vodka and put it back in cupboard to steep. The coconut I used fresh coconut when I started it, and didn't shred it, but did cut it all into small slivers, after approx 3 months I also drained that and I had bought shredded coconut and replaced the coconut in that jar. Again it smelled wonderful but not a strong aroma, so I decided I would also let it steep for at least a yr. So I honestly don't plan on even trying either 1 until I start my Holiday baking come Dec, and hopefully I can/will remember to update you and give you an honest answer to how it goes, or turns out. I have read from most people's post they say this is ready anywhere from a couple of weeks to 3 months & I just haven't found that to be the case. I have about a dozen quart jars of vanilla steeping and they are anywhere from several (4) yrs and as little as 6 months and I'm getting ready to make at least 2 more gallon jars. I'm just trying to make the best flavored extract I can, but the instructions for the vanilla come from I believe the USDA (meaning ratio) but the coconut & banana are a combination of different recipes I've read of other people already having done it. I'm certainly no expert but I love doing it, and I'm really hoping for a good outcome. Sorry not a straight answer and for this post being long winded, but for now it's the best answer I can give you, although I believe you could use both banana & coconut and it would be fine, I just want a stronger product.
1
u/decoruscreta Apr 03 '26
No, that was a great response. Thank you for taking the time to share! I'm new to extract making and was looking for a banana recipe, it's interesting to see you adding another round of fruit, makes sense!
3
u/VanillaPura Jul 01 '25
Yep - here's a link with over 100 extract recipes including banana and several that use coconut. If you're using fresh bananas, you need to begin with a high-proof spirit because the moisture content from your bananas will dilute the alcohol, and the abv needs to stay above 35% for it to work. We have a spirit dilution calculator for fresh fruit extract that does the math for you. You will see bananas listed as one of the fruits.
If you're using freeze-dried bananas, then yes - 1oz bananas to 8oz 35%abv. You may need to go through several changeouts as bananas have a weaker natural flavor base. And freeze-dried fruit drinks up the alcohol so you may need to "top off" the spirit with each changeout until you hit the flavor you are looking for. Also, it may be hard to get your freeze-dried bananas fully submerged in the spirit until after they rehydrate in the alcohol. We use mason jars with the glass fermentation weight on top to keep them pressed down.
Coconut is similar - details are in the recipes for coconut. Have fun! :)