An e-liquid retailer telling you how to make your own liquids? No, we haven’t lost the plot! With a rise in vapers experimenting with their own DIY blends and mixing, it’s important for us to help our customers enjoy a safe, enriching vaping journey. Yes, you could easily pick up bottles of e-liquid from incredible brands like OMG, Bar Juice 5000, Elf Bar and Hangsen at great value prices at Go Smoke Free - but if you’re set on experimenting with your own blends, we’re here to offer our advice.

Creating your own e-liquids can be an exciting and rewarding venture for vapers. While it allows you to customise flavours and strengths to your liking, it's crucial to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks. At Go Smoke Free, we understand the appeal of personalised vaping experiences, so we’ve outlined a comprehensive guide on mixing your e-liquids, the pros and cons, and the crucial safety considerations.

Before diving into the advantages and disadvantages, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to mix your own e-liquids:

Ingredients and Equipment

1. Base Liquid (PG/VG): Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) are the main components of your base liquid. They determine the throat hit and vapor production.
   
2. Nicotine: Optional, but if you require it, ensure you use pharmaceutical-grade nicotine.

3. Flavour Concentrates: These are specifically designed for e-liquids and are available in a variety of flavours.

4. Mixing Equipment:

●    Syringes and pipettes for accurate measurements.
●    Empty bottles for mixing and storing your e-liquid.
●    Gloves and protective eyewear to handle nicotine safely.
●    Labels for documenting your mixtures.

Basic Steps

1. Determine Your Recipe: Start simple with a single flavour, then experiment with combinations. Use online calculators to help determine the correct ratios (often PG/VG 50:50 or 30:70).
   
2. Measure Your Ingredients: Use syringes or pipettes to measure each ingredient accurately. Always handle nicotine with care and use gloves.

3. Mix Your Ingredients: Pour the measured components into your empty bottle. Shake well to ensure everything is blended properly.

4. Steeping: Allow your e-liquid to steep for several days to a few weeks. This aging process helps develop the flavours fully. Read our e liquid steeping guide for a indepth review of methods for steeping 

5. Testing: Once steeped, test your e-liquid. Adjust the recipe as needed, fine-tuning the balance of flavours and throat hit.

Customisation

One of the main advantages of DIY e-liquids is the ability to tailor your vaping experience. You're not limited by pre-made Flavours and can create unique blends that satisfy your personal taste. Whether you prefer fruity, creamy, or tobacco-flavoured e-liquids, mixing your own allows for endless possibilities.

Cost-Effectiveness

Mixing your e-liquids can be significantly cheaper than purchasing commercial ones. Once you invest in the basic supplies, the ongoing cost of ingredients is relatively low. This can be particularly beneficial for heavy vapers who go through e-liquid quickly.

Control Over Ingredients

When you make your own e-liquids, you have complete control over what goes into them. You can avoid unwanted additives and opt for high-quality ingredients. This is especially important for those with sensitivities or allergies to certain substances found in commercial e-liquids.

Satisfaction and Learning

Creating your e-liquids can be a fun and educational hobby. You gain a deeper understanding of the components and chemistry involved in vaping. The process of experimenting and perfecting your recipes can be highly satisfying and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Initial Learning Curve

Mixing e-liquids involves a learning process, and beginners might find it daunting. Understanding ratios, measurements, and steeping times requires patience and study. Mistakes can occur, potentially leading to wasted ingredients or unsatisfactory mixes.

Time-Consuming

DIY e-liquid mixing isn't a quick process. It requires time to measure ingredients, mix, and steep the final product. This might not be ideal for those looking for immediate gratification or who lack the patience for trial and error.

Consistency Challenges

Achieving consistency in your recipes can be difficult. Even slight variations in measurements or steeping times can affect the Flavour and quality of your e-liquid. It takes practice and precision to develop a reliable formula that can be replicated consistently.

Equipment and Supplies

Initial setup costs for DIY e-liquid mixing can be substantial. You need specialised equipment like syringes, bottles, and high-quality ingredients. While these costs are offset over time, the initial investment might be a deterrent for some.

One of the things it’s important to stress when mixing your own e-liquids is the risks involved. It’s vital that you follow all health and safety precautions when making your own liquid. We’ve covered some of the basics below, but if you’re worried about the dangers it may be best to stick to shop bought!

Handling Nicotine

Nicotine is a potent substance and can be hazardous if not handled correctly. It's crucial to use gloves and protective eyewear when measuring and mixing nicotine. Accidental spills or skin contact can lead to nicotine poisoning, which can be dangerous.

Ingredient Quality and Storage

Using low-quality ingredients or improper storage can compromise the safety of your e-liquids. Always source your ingredients from reputable suppliers and store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their integrity. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the quality of your base liquids and flavour concentrates.

Allergic Reactions

If you or someone around you has allergies, it's essential to be mindful of the ingredients used in your e-liquids. Some flavourings and additives can trigger allergic reactions. Keep detailed records of your recipes to identify any potential allergens.

Cross-Contamination

Maintaining a clean workspace is vital to prevent cross-contamination. Use dedicated equipment for measuring and mixing different Flavours and nicotine levels. Contamination can alter the taste and safety of your e-liquids.

Let’s be honest; we’d prefer you purchase your e-liquids from a safe, reputable retailer like Go Smoke Free. As well as knowing that your liquid has been made by some of the leading brands in the industry, you’re also saving time and money - as well as reducing the risks of any nasty accidents. If you’re set on experimenting and trying to make your own e-liquid, here are some tips from the experts to get you on the right path.

Start Simple

Begin with single-flavour recipes and gradually experiment with more complex blends. This allows you to understand the flavour profiles and behaviour of individual concentrates before combining them.

Use Online Resources

Many online forums, calculators, and recipe websites can guide beginners through the mixing process. Engage with the vaping community to learn from experienced DIY mixers and share your own experiences.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of your recipes, including exact measurements and steeping times. This helps you replicate successful mixes and avoid repeating mistakes. Label your bottles clearly with the date and recipe details.

Test Nicotine Levels

If you’re using nicotine, ensure you test the strength accurately. Overestimating or underestimating nicotine levels can impact satisfaction and safety. Start with a lower concentration and adjust gradually to your preferred level.

Be Patient!

Steeping times can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the recipe. Don't rush the process. Allowing your e-liquid to mature properly enhances Flavour and balance.

Invest in Quality

High-quality ingredients result in better-tasting and safer e-liquids. Avoid cutting corners to save costs, as this can affect the overall vaping experience.

Experiment with Ratios

Different PG/VG ratios affect the throat hit and vapour production. Experiment with various ratios to find your preferred balance. Higher VG content produces thicker vapour clouds, while higher PG content offers a stronger throat hit.

Stay Informed

The vaping industry is constantly evolving, with new flavours, additives, and regulations emerging. Stay informed about best practices, safety guidelines, and industry trends to ensure you’re making safe and enjoyable e-liquids.

Mixing your own e-liquids can be an enriching and cost-effective hobby for vapers seeking a more personalised experience. The ability to customise flavours, control ingredients, and enjoy the satisfaction of DIY creation are all great benefits. However, it's essential to consider the learning curve, potential inconsistencies, and safety risks associated with handling nicotine and other ingredients.

At Go Smoke Free, we encourage responsible DIY e-liquid mixing and equipping yourself with the right knowledge, tools, and resources to create safe and enjoyable blends. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced mixer, the journey of experimentation and discovery can significantly enhance your vaping experience.

If the DIY life is not for you, don’t panic - at Go Smoke Free we have you covered with a huge range of vaping products to suit your lifestyle. From disposable vapes to refillable vape kits, we have devices for all kinds of vapers. Our e-liquid collection is HUGE, with everything from shortfill e-liquids, high PG liquids and high VG liquids to nic-salt liquids and nicotine free liquids to choose from.