What is an E-liquid Recipe?
An e-liquid recipe, is a formula for creating the liquid used in your vape devices. Here’s a breakdown of what it typically includes:
Components of an E-Liquid Recipe:
Base Liquids:
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Propylene Glycol (PG): A clear, viscous liquid that provides a strong throat hit and carries flavour well. It’s also known for producing less vapor.
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Vegetable Glycerine (VG): A thicker, sweeter liquid that produces more vapor but less throat hit. VG is also responsible for the sweetness in many e-liquids.
Nicotine:
- This is optional but common in many recipes. Nicotine base comes in different strengths (e.g., 100mg/ml) / types (e.g. Freebase) and can be mixed to achieve the desired nicotine level in the final e-liquid, find out more about Nicotine
Flavour Concentrates:
- These are the essence of the e-liquid, providing taste and aroma. Flavour concentrates can range from simple flavours like tobacco, menthol, or fruit to complex blends that mimic desserts, beverages, or other foods. Brands like Capella, Flavorah, and TFA (The Flavor Apprentice) are popular among DIY enthusiasts.
Optional Additives:
- Sweeteners: To enhance the sweetness of the flavour.
- Emulsifiers: To help blend ingredients that might not mix well together.
- Colouring: Though less common, some vapers add food colouring for aesthetic purposes.
How to create an E-Liquid Recipe:
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Proportions: A typical recipe might specify the percentage of each component by volume. For instance:
- PG/VG ratio (e.g., 70% VG, 30% PG for a high vapor production mix) or 50/50 for use in PODS and clearomisers.
- Nicotine level (e.g., 3mg per ml of final mix).
- Flavour percentages (e.g., 10% total flavour, which could be a mix of several different flavours at specific ratios).
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Mixing: This process involves measuring out each component, often with syringes or precision scales, and mixing them thoroughly, either by shaking or using a homogeniser.
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Steeping / Homogenisation: After mixing, many e-liquids benefit from a period of steeping / homogenisation, where they are left to sit, often in a dark place, like a cupboard or draw, sometimes with occasional shaking, to let the flavours meld and mature. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the recipe.
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Testing: Testing periodically is a must, this way you can tell if your mix is right or whether you need to adjust flavour / nicotine percentages for your next batch.
Why DIY E-Liquid Recipes?
- Customization: Mixing your own e-liquid allows you to tailor the flavour, nicotine level, and PG/VG ratio to your preference/ device.
- Cost: Making your own e-liquid can be significantly cheaper than buying commercial products, initial layout may be high but you will soon benefit.
- Control: Making your own e-liquid ensures you know exactly what’s in it, which is appealing for those concerned about additives or quality.
We have an awesome community here with an enormous combined experience, our mixologists are extremely knowledgeable and are willing to help.
You can find lots of fantastic e-liquid recipes on our eliquid recipes site.
The art of mixing e-liquids has become a hobby for many, with some even turning it into a small business.
Good luck on your mixing journey, if you have any questions please feel free to use the following category: