The use of e-cigarettes is growing every year. What was once a niche hobby has now become a popular activity, with vapers experimenting and new trends emerging regularly. One such trend is mixing different e-liquid flavors.
On one hand, this can be a harmless and fun hobby, but it also comes with potential risks if not done carefully. Is it even possible to mix e-liquids? If so, what types of mixes are safe? What should you consider, and how can you do it properly? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before creating your own custom flavors.
Why Has Mixing E-Liquids Become Popular?
As more people start vaping, many find that the available flavor options don’t fully satisfy their taste preferences. By mixing e-liquids, vapers can create flavors that aren’t available on the market. This might be simply for fun, a personal challenge, or to refresh a flavor that feels repetitive. Mixing allows users to create new, personalized flavor profiles — but there’s more to it than just experimenting.
A standard e-liquid contains a few key ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and often nicotine. Just as nicotine shots allow you to adjust the strength of your vape, mixing e-liquids lets you experiment with VG/PG ratios, adjusting vapor production and flavor intensity to create the most enjoyable experience. However, it’s important to consider the compatibility of each ingredient when mixing.
How to Mix E-Liquids Safely
To create a vape-friendly blend, follow these basic rules:
1. Match VG/PG Ratios
One of the most important factors is the VG/PG ratio. For the best results, mix liquids with the same ratio:
- 50/50 VG/PG with other 50/50 liquids
- 70/30 VG/PG with other 70/30 liquids
You can mix different ratios, but keep in mind that VG/PG affects viscosity, vapor production, and flavor delivery. High-VG liquids are thicker and produce more vapor, while high-PG liquids are thinner and provide stronger flavor.
Also, some liquids are designed for specific atomizers, so blending incompatible ratios could damage your device or result in poor performance. Always check that your mix is compatible with your vape.
2. Harmonize Flavors
Not all flavors mix well together. Some combinations are naturally complementary, while others clash. Popular beginner-friendly mixes include:
- Fruit + Fruit (e.g., strawberry + kiwi)
- Dessert + Cream (e.g., vanilla + caramel)
- Menthol + Sweet Fruit (e.g., menthol + watermelon)
These tried-and-true combinations can be a great starting point for first-time mixers.
3. Mixing Different Nicotine Levels
Yes, you can mix e-liquids with different nicotine strengths. Nicotine usually doesn’t affect the liquid’s viscosity, but it does impact the vaping experience.
When blending different nicotine concentrations, either mix liquids with similar strengths or calculate an average to avoid a mix that’s too strong or too weak:
- Mixing 3mg + 6mg = ~4.5mg nicotine
- Mixing 0mg + 6mg (equal parts) = ~3mg nicotine
Mixing can also be useful if you’re gradually reducing nicotine intake. Multiple e-liquids allow you to experiment and tailor your nicotine consumption to your preferences.
Device Considerations: Coils and Tanks
Mixing can affect your vape’s coils and tanks. Some flavorings and sweeteners can wear out coils faster or leave deposits in the tank. Experienced vapers use several strategies to extend their device’s lifespan:
- Regular cleaning to minimize residue buildup
- Avoiding liquids with high amounts of sweeteners, which can leave heavy deposits
- Using high-quality e-liquids with reliable ingredients
Always monitor changes in flavor or vapor production. Any drop in quality may indicate a problem. For personalized guidance, visit a professional vape shop like Podsy, where consultants can help you choose liquids compatible with your device.
Practical Tips for Beginners
If you’re mixing e-liquids for the first time, keep these tips in mind:
- Start small – mix only a few milliliters at first to avoid wasting liquid if the result isn’t satisfactory
- Use clean containers – ensure bottles, syringes, or pipettes are clean to maintain flavor integrity and accurate measurements
- Record your ratios – keep track of proportions so successful mixes can be repeated
- Let your mix steep – allow a few days (sometimes up to a week) for flavors to fully develop, especially for complex blends
Safety Considerations
Even though mixing pre-made liquids is generally safe, some important precautions should be followed:
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- Use only trusted, high-quality products
- Avoid unknown sources, as the composition may be unsafe
- Exercise caution with concentrated nicotine, which requires experience and proper equipment
- Store your final mix out of reach of children and pets
Mixing flavors can be a fun and rewarding part of vaping — as long as it’s done responsibly. With careful attention to ratios, flavor compatibility, and device maintenance, you can safely create your own custom vaping experience.
