Homemade honey liqueur with brandy and vanilla, a delicious DIY gift for your friends.
Learn how to make a delicious honey liqueur with brandy and vanilla. Just a few ingredients for a quick and always appreciated DIY gift.

People say in Germany that there are such things as a woman’s schnapps. By that they mean sweet, lovely colored liqueurs that people usually tend to drink too much of just because they taste so sweet and good.
This honey brandy definitely falls into this category of woman’s schnapps, even if my husband and male neighbor liked it as well. But after one small shot, they both changed to "the real" hard stuff, like corn schnapps (something I wouldn't even consider touching), while my female neighbor and I continued nipping on this wonderful, flavorsome little drink. Needless to say, after 3 or 4 shots, we were both quite jolly.
This is not only good to make for your own guests but makes a very nice present as well. Or try the Rhubarb and Ginger Gin or the Elderflower Gin.
How to make honey liqueur at home?
- Split one vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds. Place the seeds and the empty vanilla pod in a small pot, add the sugar, honey, and water and bring everything to a boil.
- Simmer, covered, on low for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the vanilla pod and let the liquid cool down. When cool add the brandy.
- Strain the liquor through a coffee or tea filter, if desired. The liqueur will be clearer, but you can leave the vanilla seeds inside if you wish.
- Place the second vanilla pod in a nice little bottle. Pour the liqueur into the bottle.
How to store?
Store the honey brandy liqueur a dark, cool place. It will keep for up to 4 months.
More homemade drinks:
Honey Liqueur (with Brandy)
Ingredients
- 2 vanilla pods
- 70 g/ 2.5 oz/ ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons clear honey
- 125 ml/ 4.2 fl.oz/ ½ cup water
- 250 ml/ 8.5 fl.oz/ 1 cup brandy
Instructions
- Split one vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds. Place the seeds and the empty vanilla pod in a small pot, add the sugar, honey, and water and bring everything to a boil. Let simmer, covered, on a very low flame for about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat, take out the vanilla pod and let the liquid cool down. When cold add the brandy.
- Strain the liquor through a coffee or tea filter. This is not an obligatory step but the liquor will look nicer and clearer in the end. If you prefer, you can definitely leave the small vanilla seeds in the liquor.
- Place the second vanilla pod in a nice, decorative little bottle. Pour the liqueur into the bottle.
- Store in a dark, cool place. It will keep for up to 4 months.
Lindsey says
Am I being stupid?...how does 375ml of liquid ingredients make 500ml end product?
Adina says
Add the sugar and honey, and you're almost there. 🙂