How to Mix Vape Liquid at Home: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

What Is E-Liquid Mixing?

DIY means "do it yourself." Instead of buying ready-made vape juice, you combine the ingredients yourself. This lets you control the flavour, nicotine strength, and how much vapour it makes. Mixing your own liquid is also more cost-effective and allows you to customise your vape experience.

Tools and Ingredients You Need

Ingredients:

• PG (Propylene Glycol): Brings out flavour and gives a stronger throat hit. Learn more about what is VG and PG in a vape

• VG (Vegetable Glycerine): Makes more vapour and a smoother feel.

• Nicotine (optional): Add only if you need it, and follow safety rules.

• Flavour concentrates: Choose from fruits, desserts, mints and more. These are specially made for vaping.

Tools:

• Empty plastic bottles (with caps)

• Syringes or a small scale (to measure ingredients)

• Gloves and safety glasses (important if you're using nicotine)

• Labels to mark your mix (include name, date, and nicotine strength)

Step-by-Step Guide to Mixing

Step 1: Decide Your Mix

Pick your PG/VG ratio. Here are common choices:

• 50/50: Balanced flavour and vapour

• 70/30 VG/PG: More vapour, smoother hit

• 80/20 PG/VG: Strong flavour and throat hit

Step 2: Add Nicotine (if needed)

Use an online calculator if you’re unsure. Nicotine boosters are usually 20 mg/mL in 10 mL bottles.

Step 3: Add Flavour

Flavour makes up about 10% to 15% of your liquid. Some flavours (like menthol or cinnamon) may be stronger, so start with less and adjust.

Step 4: Add PG and VG

Top up the rest with PG and VG until the bottle is full. Make sure the total volume matches your planned ratio.

Step 5: Shake Well

Close the cap and shake the bottle for 30 seconds. This helps everything mix evenly. Some vapers use mixing machines, but shaking works just fine.

PG/VG Ratios Explained

The PG/VG ratio depends on your vaping style:

• 80/20 PG/VG: Strong throat hit, less vapour

• 70/30 PG/VG: Great flavour and decent vapour

• 50/50 PG/VG: Balanced for most vapers

• 30/70 PG/VG: Softer hit, more clouds

• 20/80 PG/VG: Maximum vapour, smoother feel

If you're using a disposable vape, you may notice they often have high VG content for smooth hits and large clouds.

Nicotine Strength Calculation (with table)

Note: Always follow safety precautions when handling nicotine. Store it away from heat and light.

Flavour Mixing Tips & Examples

• Try flavour families: coffee + vanilla, strawberry + cream, mint + chocolate

• Test small batches first. 10 mL testers help avoid waste.

• Keep flavour at 10-15% of total volume

• Use fewer flavours for better balance and clarity

• Some combinations may sound odd but taste great—don’t be afraid to experiment!

TPD Compliance

UK and EU law (TPD - Tobacco Products Directive) requires:

• Maximum nicotine strength: 20 mg/mL

• Maximum bottle size for nicotine liquids: 10 mL

• Child-proof caps and tamper-evident seals

This is why larger e-liquid bottles are sold as nicotine-free bases with separate nicotine shots. Learn more: What is TPD and How Does it Affect Vaping in Europe

How Steeping Works by Flavour Type

Letting e-liquid "steep" improves flavour. Think of it like letting tea brew. Freshly mixed e-liquid can taste harsh or unbalanced until it's rested.

Shake bottles every few days. Store in a cool, dark place. Some people use warm water baths to speed up steeping, but natural steeping often gives better results.

PG vs VG Effects

FAQs

Can I vape my mix right away?

You can, but steeping improves the taste.

Can I mix flavours from different brands?

Yes, but test in small amounts to make sure they blend well.

Is it safe to use nicotine at home?

Yes, if you wear gloves and follow safety rules. Store it away from kids and pets.

What if I don’t want nicotine?

Just leave it out. You can vape 0 mg/mL e-liquid with flavour only.

How long does homemade vape juice last?

Up to 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed.

Ready to give it a go? Check out our DIY mixing kits, flavour concentrates, and nicotine shots at EuroCityVape.com – your one-stop shop for quality vaping supplies.