Mixing Aroma E-Juice: The Ultimate Guide To Vaping Bliss

Mixing your own e-juice allows you to customise your vaping experience to your exact preferences. While the process may seem daunting at first, it's actually quite simple and can be done at home with the right equipment and ingredients.

The first step is to gather your equipment and ingredients. You'll need gloves, containers, syringes, and drip-tip bottles, as well as your chosen nicotine base, propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and flavour concentrates.

Once you have your supplies, you can start mixing. Determine your desired nicotine strength and flavour profile, and use a vape juice calculator to figure out the correct amounts of each ingredient. Add your base, flavour concentrates, and nicotine to a bottle, then seal and shake to mix.

The final step is to let your mixture steep. Steeping allows the flavours to develop and intensify, resulting in a more flavourful and satisfying vape. Depending on the complexity of your recipe, steeping can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Choosing the right base

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a thick, highly viscous liquid that produces larger amounts of vapour. It gives a much smoother feeling in the throat and an abundance of vapour in the mouth. VG has a higher evaporation point than PG, and it soaks the coil more slowly, which can lead to overheating and an unpleasant burnt taste known as a "dry hit". VG also tends to foul coils faster, requiring more frequent maintenance and coil replacements. Despite these potential drawbacks, VG is a popular choice for those who prefer a smoother vaping experience and more vapour production.

Propylene Glycol (PG), on the other hand, is a thin, tasteless, and odourless liquid. It acts as a "flavour carrier" in e-liquids, enhancing the intensity of the flavours. PG provides a "throat hit" sensation similar to that of smoking tobacco, which some users prefer. It has a lower evaporation point than VG and is absorbed more quickly by the coils, reducing the risk of a "dry hit". However, some people may be sensitive to PG, exhibiting symptoms such as constant coughing, difficulty inhaling, dry throat, and mild upper respiratory tract irritation.

The most common ratios of VG to PG in e-liquids are 50/50 and 70/30. These ratios offer a good balance between vapour production, throat feeling, and flavour intensity. However, you can customise your e-juice by adjusting the ratio to suit your personal preferences. If you want a smoother throat hit and a fuller vapour, opt for a higher VG percentage. On the other hand, if you prefer a more intense flavour and a stronger throat hit, a higher PG percentage is the way to go.

Adding the right amount of nicotine

Adding nicotine to your e-juice is a delicate process that requires careful calculation and the use of protective equipment. Nicotine is available in different strengths, and the amount you add to your e-juice will depend on your desired nicotine concentration and the volume of e-juice you are making.

To ensure an enjoyable and safe vaping experience, it is crucial to wear protective gear when handling nicotine. This includes wearing nitrile gloves to protect your skin and ensuring adequate ventilation in the mixing area.

The first step in adding nicotine to your e-juice is determining the desired nicotine concentration. The standard way to express nicotine concentration is in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). Common nicotine strengths include 3mg/ml, 6mg/ml, 12mg/ml, and 18mg/ml. If you are a beginner or transitioning from traditional smoking to vaping, you may prefer a higher nicotine strength. It is important to note that adding too much nicotine can make your vape juice harsh and unpleasant.

Once you have determined the desired nicotine concentration, you will need to calculate the amount of nicotine to add. This calculation depends on the volume of e-juice you are making and the strength of nicotine you are using.

For example, if you want to make 120ml of e-juice with a nicotine concentration of 3mg/ml, and you have 100mg/ml nicotine, you will need to add 3.6ml of nicotine to your e-juice.

It is important to use a precise measuring tool, such as a syringe, to ensure an accurate dosage. Always add the nicotine slowly and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

After adding nicotine, it is essential to allow your e-juice to steep. Steeping allows the flavours to blend and mature, enhancing the overall taste. The steeping time can vary depending on the complexity of your recipe and your personal preferences. For simple fruit flavours, steeping for a few days may be sufficient, while more complex flavours may require a week or more.

Additionally, it is worth noting that nicotine can interact with other ingredients in your e-juice. For example, nicotine can affect the perception of sweetness, so you may need to adjust the amount of sweetener used in your recipe accordingly.

Finally, always label your e-juice bottles clearly, indicating the date of creation, nicotine strength, and any other relevant information. This helps ensure a safe and informed vaping experience.

Selecting your flavour

Choose Complementary Flavours:

Start by selecting flavours that complement each other. Consider the flavour profile of each ingredient and choose combinations that work well together. For example, you can mix fruity flavours like strawberry and vanilla to create a strawberries and cream profile. Be adventurous and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Consider Flavour Intensity:

When mixing flavours, it's important to consider their intensity. Some flavours are more subtle, while others are strong and dominant. For instance, if you're mixing melon with a stronger flavour like aniseed, you'll want to use less of the aniseed to avoid overpowering the melon. Adjust the ratios accordingly to create a balanced blend.

Personal Preference and Creativity:

Ultimately, the choice of flavour comes down to your personal preference. Think about the foods and flavours you enjoy. Do you want to enhance a particular flavour or add a twist to it? For instance, adding a menthol touch to a fruity e-liquid can create an interesting icy blast. Be creative and don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional flavours.

Popular Flavour Options:

There is a wide range of flavour options available in the market. Popular choices include fruity flavours like grape, raspberry, and strawberry; dessert-inspired flavours like chocolate and vanilla; and tobacco-based flavours like menthol and classic tobacco. You can also explore unique flavours like bacon, pepper, or cocktail-inspired blends. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to explore and find your favourites.

Recommended Percentage for Dosage:

When adding flavours, it's important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines. For aromas, the most common recommended percentage for dosage is 10%. However, you can always adjust the intensity to your preference. If the flavour is too intense, dilute it with a base, and if it's too weak, add more aroma to strengthen it.

Steeping and Flavour Development:

Keep in mind that some flavours benefit from steeping, which is the process of allowing the e-liquid to sit and mature. During steeping, the ingredients interact and develop, enhancing the flavour profile. The recommended steeping time varies depending on the type of flavour. For fruit flavours, steep for 1-7 days, creamy dessert flavours for 1-2 weeks, and tobacco flavours for 2-4 weeks.

Trial and Error:

Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out as expected. Mixing e-juice flavours involves a lot of trial and error. Start with small batches, tweak the ratios, and gradually refine your blends until you achieve the perfect flavour combination that suits your taste.

Mixing and steeping

Once you have mixed your e-juice, the next step is steeping. Steeping is the process of letting your e-juice age to enhance its flavour. This involves storing your closed bottles of e-juice in a cool, dark place, such as a drawer or cupboard, for an extended period of time. During this time, the ingredients in your e-juice will blend together, improving the overall quality and flavour. The steeping process can be expedited by periodically shaking the bottles and using methods such as breathing and streathing, which involve exposing the e-juice to air for short periods of time.

The length of time required for steeping depends on the type of flavour used and your personal taste preferences. Fruity flavours typically require the least amount of steeping time, around 24 to 48 hours, while tobacco and creamy dessert flavours benefit from longer steeping times, usually two weeks or more. It is important to periodically taste your e-juice during the steeping process to determine if it has reached your desired flavour. While steeping can enhance the flavour of your e-juice, it is not a cure for a bad recipe; if the recipe is not good, steeping will not fix it. Additionally, over-steeping can cause a loss of flavour or an increase in harshness, and nicotine can oxidize over time, contributing an unpleasant flavour. Therefore, it is crucial to check your e-juice regularly during the steeping process and not to exceed the expiration date.

Storing your e-juice

Avoid Heat, Light, and Air

Heat, light, and air are the primary enemies of e-juice. Heat breaks down the molecules of flavours, altering the flavour of the vape juice. Therefore, it is best to store your e-juice in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or closet, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Additionally, ensure the storage area is dry and well-ventilated.

Choose the Right Container

For short-term storage, plastic bottles are suitable. However, for long-term storage, glass bottles are ideal. Plastic containers can interact with the liquid and alter the taste over time, whereas glass bottles are inert and preserve the flavour better. Also, consider using tinted glass bottles to protect against light damage.

Sealed and Secure

Ensure your e-juice bottles are tightly sealed to minimise air exposure. If using larger bottles, consider transferring the liquid to smaller containers as you use it up to reduce the amount of air in the bottle. Additionally, if you have children or pets, use child-resistant caps and store the bottles in a secure, lockable box out of their reach.

Refrigeration and Freezing

For long-term storage, consider storing your e-juice in the refrigerator or freezer. While this can prolong the life of the e-juice, there are some considerations. Firstly, the different chemicals in the liquid have varying freezing temperatures, so they may separate when frozen. Secondly, the liquid will thicken and need to be brought back to room temperature before use. Lastly, the refrigerator can be a hotspot for bacteria, which could contaminate your liquids.

Frequently asked questions