Why Vapers Mix Their Own E-Liquid: A DIY Guide
Posted by Courtney McElligott on Dec 17th 2019
Have you ever wondered why so many adult vapers prefer to mix their own e-liquid flavors using DIY kits like the ones we offer here at Central Vapors? If you have, then you're in the right place. Below we walk through the main reasons why making your own e-juice appeals to so many hobbyist mixers, and what you'll need to get started.
Custom E-Liquid Flavors
The most obvious reason so many vapers love to mix their own e-juices is that custom flavors can be crafted at home. Tired of the same old flavors? All you need is a DIY e-juice kit and a bit of know-how, and you'll be well on your way to building your own one-of-a-kind blends.
Imagine taking an apple e-liquid and adding menthol or mint to create an arctic apple with some bite, or mixing a strawberry e-liquid with a cola e-liquid for a strawberry cola unlike anything you've tried before. These options and countless more are at your fingertips when you make your own e-liquids. Instead of being limited to what manufacturers and their mixologists offer, you can be your own mixologist and craft whatever flavor profile you're after.
Custom Nicotine Strength
When you buy premade e-liquid, you're usually limited to a set number of nicotine strengths. If the strength you prefer isn't offered, you may have to settle for the next closest option. When you mix your own, you choose exactly how much or how little nicotine to add, giving you full control over the nicotine concentration in the e-liquid you vape. That level of control is one of the main reasons some adult vapers prefer DIY over off-the-shelf bottles.
Perfect VG/PG Blend
Have you ever had an e-juice that was almost perfect? Maybe the VG/PG ratio was close, but a little off. If so, you already know why it's nice to control the ratio of PG to VG yourself. If you haven't run into this yet, you may not know the difference between the two or why it matters. We'll explain.
VG, short for vegetable glycerin, is one of the most commonly used ingredients in e-juice. It helps produce thick, luscious clouds of vapor and adds a touch of sweetness.
PG, short for propylene glycol, carries little flavor of its own, but it's largely responsible for the throat-hit sensation many vapers notice on the inhale. Mixes with more PG tend to feel sharper, while mixes with more VG feel smoother. If your e-juice feels too harsh, it may have too much PG; if it feels flat with no bite at all, it may not have enough. Both PG and VG are common food additives that are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food — note that this is a fact about the ingredients in food, not a claim about vapor products.
Finding the perfect combination of VG and PG comes down to personal taste. While some manufacturers claim their ratio is the best, the truth is everyone's preferences differ. By mixing your own, you can dial in exactly the ratio of PG to VG you like and tune the experience puff by puff.
What You Need To Make Your Own E-Juice
To make your own e-juice, you only need a few simple supplies. Here at Central Vapors, we sell everything you need to craft your own e-juice, including flavoring, PG, VG, nicotine, bottles, labels, unflavored base, measuring cups, and syringes. We even carry recipe calculators. With these supplies on hand, you can start building your own custom e-liquids right away and join the many adult hobbyists who enjoy creating blends tailored to their own taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies do I need to start mixing my own e-liquid?
A basic DIY setup includes PG and VG base, flavor concentrates, an unflavored nicotine base if you want nicotine, plus empty bottles, syringes or measuring cups, labels, and gloves. Many beginners start with a complete DIY kit and a recipe calculator so the measurements are done for them.
How do I choose a VG/PG ratio?
A 50/50 blend is a balanced, all-around starting point with a noticeable throat hit, while higher-VG mixes such as 70/30 produce thicker clouds and a smoother inhale. It comes down to your device and personal taste, so many mixers experiment with small test batches before committing to a ratio.
How much flavoring should I add to a DIY mix?
A common starting point is roughly 10 to 15 percent total flavoring, though the ideal amount varies by concentrate and recipe. Start on the lower end, taste the result, and adjust up in your next batch if you want a stronger profile.
What is steeping and do I need to do it?
Steeping simply means letting a finished mix rest so the flavors blend and settle. Many fruit blends are enjoyable within a few days, while richer dessert, custard, and tobacco profiles often taste better after two weeks or more in a cool, dark place. Steeping is optional, but it can noticeably improve more complex recipes.
Is mixing my own e-liquid cheaper than buying premade?
Buying base ingredients in larger quantities and blending at home is generally more cost-effective per bottle than buying premade e-liquid, especially once you mix regularly. There is an upfront cost for supplies, so the savings build over time as you reuse your base, bottles, and tools.
Is DIY e-liquid mixing only for adults?
Yes. DIY e-liquid supplies, including nicotine, are intended only for adults 21 and older. Nicotine bases should be handled carefully, stored safely away from children and pets, and kept tightly sealed and labeled.
These products are intended only for adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. This article is general product information and is not a smoking-cessation claim.