The vast majority of vapers who have successfully switched from smoking cigarettes to vaping use a pre-mixed e-liquid provided from one of many excellent suppliers of vaping paraphernalia. These same suppliers will also have all the products needed for any vaper to mix the different components of e-liquid to produce a vape juice more suited to what they want from vaping. By experimenting with these ingredients, any vaper can perfect the e-liquid they are using and heighten the enjoyment they get on their vaping journey.

Understanding E-Liquid

Vape Juice, E-Liquid, and E-juice are all terms for the liquid vapers put in their devices. For vaper to mix their own liquids, it is first essential to understand the components of e-liquids and their properties. When mixing e-liquid, the product with no nicotine already pre-mixed is referred to as shortfill liquid; this contains three main ingredients that are –

  • Propylene Glycol is a thinner liquid used for inhaled medicines; it is an excellent flavour carrier when used in vape juice.
  • Vegetable Glycerin – thicker than its counterpart, it is derived from plant oils, vape liquids high in this substance produce more significant vapour clouds.
  • Food-Based Flavourings are the food industry staples used to deliver tasty flavours in e-liquid.

Any budding mixologist will have an idea of their end goal; a vape with more extraordinary flavour will prioritise PG or those who want superb cloud production will favour VG.

The Nicotine Element

Having discussed the properties of shortfill e-liquid, the next step is to look at the other component. Referred to as the shot or nic shot, it is available in various nicotine strengths and two different types. Firstly, freebase nicotine shots are more traditional, but an increasingly popular alternative option is nic salt or salt nic, which is nicotine refined differently from freebase. Nic salt also delivers a smoother vaper which appeals to many vapers.

Mixing Your Own E-Liquid

Most great vaping stockists supply shortfill liquids in different sizes; there is also space left in the shortfill bottle to pour your chosen number of shots; all that remains is a quick shake, and the vape juice is ready to use. When combining the Shortfills and shots, the mixing ratios are quite confusing; for example, adding a 10ml 18mg nicotine shot to a 50ml shortfill bottle will give you 60ml of e-liquid at a strength of 3mg. My advice is to check the website of your vaping supplier; most have helpful guides to mixing your vape liquids and what products might suit you the best. It’s also important to remember that it may take some experimentation until you reach your desired goal of a perfect e-liquid.

Is There Any Downside?

While mixing your own e-liquids might help you achieve new vaping delights, it may not be for everyone; an important fact to remember is that it is challenging to mix high levels of nicotine in e-liquids. Those vapers needing a high nicotine content in their vape should stick to the more established pre-mixed e-liquids.

Whatever route you take on your vaping journey, I hope this information has added to your knowledge of vaping, and you can make your vaping improvements with confidence.