DIY liquid - instructions for vapers to mix their own

A DIY e-liquid is an e-liquid that you make yourself from individual components. The three components are: a nicotine-free base (propylene glycol PG and vegetable glycerine VG, with distilled water if desired), a flavour concentrate, usually at a concentration of 5–15%, and, if required, a nicotine shot, typically 20 mg/ml.

Unlike a shortfill (a pre-mixed flavoured base that you simply top up with a nicotine shot) or a longfill (a highly concentrated flavouring that is diluted with base), with a pure DIY e-liquid you incorporate each component individually. This allows for maximum control: you can adjust the PG/VG ratio to suit your atomiser, combine flavours and set the nicotine strength to the nearest millilitre. Important: nicotine is a neurotoxin; handling it requires care, gloves and safe storage out of the reach of children. In Switzerland, sales are restricted to adults aged 18 and over.

The basic formula is: Target volume – (flavouring ml + nicotine shot ml) = base required. Example for 100 ml of e-liquid with 3 mg/ml nicotine and 10% flavouring: 15 ml nicotine shot (20 mg/ml) + 10 ml flavouring + 75 ml base = 100 ml. An online DIY calculator does the maths for you.

Mixing your own base or buying a ready-made one

You can buy a ready-made base with a fixed ratio (e.g. 50/50 or 30/70 PG/VG) or purchase PG and VG separately and measure them out yourself. Mixing your own base is worth it if you use different setups – such as MTL pods with 50/50 and sub-ohm atomisers with 30/70 – at the same time.

Allow for steeping time

After mixing, a DIY e-liquid needs time for the flavouring and base to blend. Fruit flavours are often ready after 1–3 days, whilst tobacco, dessert and custard notes require 7–14 days. Shake the bottle several times a day and store it in a cool, dark place at around 15–20 °C.

Before you make your first bottle of e-liquid yourself, it’s worth taking a look at the equipment and procedure. These points are crucial:

• Precise measurement: Use a precision scale (0.01 g) or calibrated syringes. Even 1 ml too much flavouring can throw off the taste.
• PG/VG ratio for the atomiser: Pod systems and MTL coils prefer 50/50 to 60/40 PG/VG, whilst sub-ohm atomisers from 0.5 Ω benefit from 30/70 or 20/80 with more VG for vapour.
• Flavour dosage: Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation (usually 5–15%). More flavour does not mean more taste, but often a harsh or sticky aftertaste.
• Choose a realistic nicotine strength: 3–6 mg/ml is suitable for sub-ohm devices, 10–20 mg/ml (ideally as nicotine salt) for pod systems. In Switzerland, a maximum of 20 mg/ml is permitted in the finished e-liquid.
• Hygiene and labelling: Use clean bottles, wear gloves when handling nicotine, and label each batch with the date, nicotine strength and flavour name.

A common mistake: tasting immediately after mixing and being disappointed. Give the e-liquid time to mature before judging it. Another classic mistake is mixing several intense flavours without a plan – stick to one or two components to start with.

Is DIY e-liquid really cheaper?

Yes, significantly so if you vape regularly. 100 ml of homemade e-liquid costs around CHF 5–10 in ingredients, depending on the flavour, whilst ready-made e-liquids often cost CHF 6–8 per 10 ml. The savings justify the initial kit within a few weeks.

How long does homemade e-liquid last?

Stored in a cool, dark place, at least 12 months; nicotine-free versions even longer. Nicotine oxidises over time and develops a peppery taste – so don’t mix nicotine shots in bulk; add them just before use.

Do I need a scale, or are syringes sufficient?

For beginners, syringes in 1 ml, 5 ml and 20 ml sizes are sufficient. If you regularly mix larger quantities, a precision scale is more accurate and quicker, as flavours and base have different densities.

Can I combine flavours any way I like?

Technically yes, but in terms of flavour, it takes experience. Start with single flavours or tried-and-tested recipes from DIY communities. Fruit blends usually harmonise quickly, whilst dessert and tobacco combinations require patience and time to mature.

DIY e-liquid gives you full control over flavour, nicotine strength and cost – provided you work cleanly and patiently. With a solid base, a well-measured flavouring and a bit of maturation time, you can create e-liquids that simply aren’t available commercially. If you’re ready to get started, you’ll find a wide selection of flavour concentrates, suitable bases and nicotine shots in our range. Take your time comparing the flavours and experiment with small quantities to find your favourite recipe.