To get a really strong extract I typically have/do 3 things:
1) Split and scrape out the pods thoroughly. You can put the pods in too of course, but having the pulp directly into the liquid helps tremendously and speeds up the process
2) The higher percentage of alcohol the stronger the extract. That's why someone earlier suggested 'everclear' since it's the strongest you can get. (although 'flavored' extracts using different alcohols are also nice depending on what you like, rum for example is great...but different and not as versatile)
3) Lastly, I put the pods and pulp into the bottle, heat the alcohol to about 120 degrees and then pour that into the bottle. Cap the bottle when cooled down, and shake the bottle then and every week or so for the next few months.
You could always throw in whole beans as well with the pulp if the split pods aren't as pretty to you |