How to Make Vape Juice at Home: Complete DIY Guide for Beginners (2025)

Introduction

If you vape regularly, you’ve probably noticed commercial e-liquids just keep getting pricier. And for a lot of us, that means tough choices: stick with the same old flavours, cut back, or start looking for a smarter way to enjoy vaping. Here’s the good news—learning how to make vape juice at home isn’t just possible, it’s actually pretty simple. You don’t need a chemistry degree or a fancy lab. With a little attention to detail and some basic safety steps, you can start DIY e-liquid mixing and save a surprising amount of money.

The real kicker? You get to control everything. Want a homemade vape liquid that’s bursting with mango and just a hint of menthol? Prefer a strong throat hit or massive clouds? You decide. When you mix your own, you’re in charge of the vape juice ingredients, the nicotine strength, and the PG/VG ratio. That means you can tweak every batch until it’s exactly what you like.

This guide is built for beginners. No special skills required—just a willingness to follow instructions and keep things clean. I’ll walk you through the four main ingredients you’ll need (propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine base, and flavour concentrates), the basic equipment, and a step-by-step process that’s easy to follow. We’ll also cover the safety essentials, because mixing at home should always be safe and responsible.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make vape juice that’s affordable, customizable, and actually tastes good, you’re in the right place. The biggest benefit? You’ll save money and never be stuck with boring flavours again.

Ready to see what DIY e-liquid mixing can do for your wallet and your taste buds? Let’s break down the key benefits before you get started.

Most people get into DIY e-liquid mixing for one big reason: saving money. But there’s a lot more to it than just cost. When you make your own vape juice, you’re in charge of every drop that goes into your tank. You pick the flavours, set the nicotine strength, and decide how much vapour you want. For vapers in Bahrain, where commercial e-liquids can be pricey and sometimes hard to find, mixing at home means you never run out and you always know exactly what you’re vaping. Plus, with reliable suppliers like VapeShop.bh offering fast delivery, getting quality ingredients and equipment is easier than ever.

Massive Cost Savings Over Commercial E-Liquids

Let’s talk numbers. Buying commercial vape juice adds up fast, especially if you’re a regular vaper or prefer premium brands. When you switch to DIY, the savings are hard to ignore. You’re buying base ingredients like propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavour concentrates in bulk. That means each bottle you mix at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a shop. Here’s a real-world comparison to show just how much you can save:

Those numbers aren’t exaggerated. Most vapers mixing at home see over 75% cost savings compared to buying ready-made e-liquids. And if you’re mixing larger batches, the savings get even better. With the right supplies from a trusted source like VapeShop.bh, you can stock up and never worry about running out or paying premium prices.

Complete Control Over Flavour and Strength

Cost is just the start. The real fun of DIY e-liquid mixing is the freedom to create exactly what you want. You’re not stuck with whatever’s on the shelf. Want a strong throat hit? Adjust your PG/VG ratio. Prefer a smooth, cloudy vape? Go heavy on the VG. Need a specific nicotine strength? You can dial it in to the milligram. And when it comes to flavour, the sky’s the limit. Mix classic fruits, desserts, menthols, or even try to recreate a discontinued favourite. You’re the mixologist now.

• Set your nicotine strength exactly where you want it (from 0mg up to high strengths for heavy smokers)
• Experiment with flavour concentrates to create unique blends or copy your favourite commercial juices
• Adjust the PG/VG ratio for a sharper throat hit or bigger clouds, depending on your device and style
• Control sweetness and cooling by adding or reducing specific flavour notes
• Avoid unwanted additives or allergens by choosing only the ingredients you trust
• Tweak recipes over time until you find your perfect all-day vape

For a lot of vapers, this level of control is a game-changer. You’re not just saving money, you’re making something that fits your taste and needs perfectly. And if you ever get bored, you can always try a new recipe or tweak your mix. It’s a hobby that keeps evolving.

Create Larger Batches That Last Months

Mixing your own vape juice isn’t just about saving a few dinars or chasing the perfect flavour. It’s also about convenience. When you DIY, you can make big batches—100ml, 250ml, even 500ml at a time. That means fewer trips to the shop, less packaging waste, and a steady supply of your favourite juice. For most moderate vapers, a single 300ml batch can last two to three months. You mix once, label your bottles, and you’re set. No more running out at the worst possible moment.

Batch mixing also means you can steep your e-liquid properly, letting flavours develop and mellow over time. And if you’re sharing with friends or family, it’s easy to split up a big batch into smaller bottles. DIY e-liquid mixing isn’t just smart for your wallet—it’s practical, flexible, and honestly, pretty satisfying. Once you’ve tried it, it’s tough to go back.

Essential Ingredients: The 4 Components of Vape Juice

Every bottle of vape juice, whether you buy it or make it yourself, comes down to just four ingredients. That’s it. No mystery chemicals or secret recipes. If you’re new to DIY e-liquid mixing, this is probably the most reassuring thing you’ll hear all day. Once you understand what each component does, the whole process starts to feel a lot less intimidating. And honestly, it’s pretty satisfying knowing exactly what’s in your vape. Let’s break down each ingredient so you know what you’re working with and why it matters.

Propylene Glycol (PG): The Flavour Carrier

Propylene glycol, or PG, is a clear, thin liquid that’s used in everything from food to medicine. In vape juice, it’s the main carrier for flavour. PG is food-grade and widely recognized as safe for consumption by health authorities. It’s got a runny consistency, which makes it easy to measure and mix. Most importantly, PG delivers a strong throat hit that many ex-smokers crave. You’ll usually see PG making up anywhere from 30% to 60% of a typical e-liquid mix, depending on your vaping style. If you want more flavour and a sharper hit, you’ll probably lean toward a higher PG ratio. For more on PG safety, check out the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notice.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG): The Cloud Producer

Vegetable glycerin, or VG, is the thick, slightly sweet backbone of most vape juices. It’s also food-grade and used in everything from baked goods to cosmetics. VG is what gives you those big, dense clouds when you exhale. It’s smooth on the inhale and tends to mute the throat hit, making it a favorite for people who want a softer vaping experience. Most DIY recipes use VG for 40% to 70% of the mix. If you’re chasing clouds or using a sub-ohm device, you’ll want a higher VG ratio. For more on VG’s safety profile, see the CDC’s NIOSH guide.

Choosing your PG/VG ratio isn’t just about numbers. It’s about how you want your vape to feel and taste. Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapers usually go for more PG for that punchy throat hit, while direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers and cloud chasers crank up the VG. There’s no right answer, just what works for you.

Nicotine Base: Choosing the Right Strength and Type

Nicotine is optional, but for many, it’s the reason they vape. You’ll find two main types: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase is the classic choice, giving a stronger throat hit and working well at lower strengths (3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg). Nicotine salts are smoother, even at higher strengths, and are popular in pod systems. When you’re mixing, you’ll need to calculate how much nicotine base to add to reach your desired strength. There are plenty of online calculators to help with this, but the basic idea is simple: decide how strong you want your juice (in mg/ml), then add the right amount of nicotine base to your total volume.

Nicotine is highly toxic in concentrated form. Always handle with extreme care. Wear gloves, avoid skin contact, and keep it away from children and pets. If you spill any, clean it up immediately and wash your hands thoroughly. Never mix nicotine in a rush or when distracted.

• Always wear nitrile gloves when handling nicotine.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Store nicotine in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children and pets.
• Use dedicated syringes or pipettes for nicotine only.
• Double-check your calculations before adding nicotine.
• Clean up spills immediately and dispose of waste safely.

If you’re just starting out, it’s smart to mix at a lower nicotine strength (like 3mg or 6mg) until you’re comfortable with the process. You can always make a stronger batch later if you need to. And if you’re not sure which type to use, freebase is usually the safer bet for beginners.

Flavour Concentrates: Creating Your Perfect Taste

Flavour concentrates are where the magic happens. These are food-grade liquids made specifically for vaping, and they’re what turn a bland base into something you actually want to vape. Most recipes use flavouring at 10% to 20% of the total mix. Some single flavours are strong enough at 8%, while complex blends might need a bit more. Quality matters here. Cheap or off-brand concentrates can taste artificial or harsh, so stick with reputable brands when you can. If you’re new, start with a single flavour and get a feel for how it steeps and tastes before you start mixing up wild combinations.

• Fruits (strawberry, mango, apple, etc.)
• Desserts (vanilla custard, cheesecake, donut)
• Menthol and mint
• Tobacco blends
• Beverages (cola, coffee, energy drink)

You’ll find hundreds of flavour options, but these categories are the most popular. Once you’re comfortable, you can start blending two or three together for something unique. But trust me, it’s easy to go overboard. Too much flavouring can actually ruin a mix, making it harsh or weirdly muted. Less is often more, especially when you’re just starting out.

If you want to dig deeper into the safety of vape juice ingredients, check out these resources: FDA on Propylene Glycol and CDC on Vegetable Glycerin. Both PG and VG are considered safe for use in food and pharmaceuticals, but always buy from trusted suppliers to avoid contamination.

Equipment You’ll Need to Start Mixing Vape Juice

You really don’t need a lab or fancy gear to start making your own vape juice. Most of the essential mixing equipment is either already in your kitchen or easy to grab from a vaping retailer. The trick is knowing what matters for accuracy, safety, and keeping your homemade e-liquid consistent every time. If you’re just starting out, focus on the basics and build up as you get more comfortable. And if you want everything in one go, VapeShop.bh offers complete starter kits with all the essentials, delivered anywhere in Bahrain within 24 hours.

Measuring Tools: Syringes, Scales, and Containers

• Graduated syringes (1ml, 5ml, 10ml sizes) for precise liquid measurement
• Digital scale accurate to 0.01g for mixing by weight (the gold standard for accuracy)
• Measuring beakers or graduated cylinders (50ml, 100ml) for larger batches
• Pipettes for adding small amounts of flavour concentrates or nicotine

Mixing by weight is hands-down the most accurate way to make vape juice. You just place your bottle on the scale, zero it out, and add each ingredient by grams. No guessing, no sticky mess, and your results are repeatable. Volume measuring (using syringes or beakers) works, but it’s less precise, especially with thick liquids like VG. If you want to avoid frustration, invest in a decent digital scale. And here’s a tip: dedicate your mixing equipment to vape juice only. Don’t use the same syringes or beakers for food or medicine. Cross-contamination is a real risk, and you want your e-liquid clean and safe.

Storage Bottles and Labels

Once you’ve mixed your e-liquid, you’ll need proper storage bottles. The right bottles keep your vape juice fresh, safe, and easy to use. Most DIYers use a mix of small and large bottles, depending on how much they make at once. Dark glass or PET plastic bottles are best for blocking light and preventing oxidation. Always choose bottles with childproof caps. Dropper bottles are handy for refilling tanks, but regular caps work for bulk storage. Don’t forget: clear, accurate labeling is critical for safety and tracking your recipes.

• Date mixed
• Nicotine strength (mg/ml)
• PG/VG ratio
• Flavour name or recipe
• Steeping date or ready-to-vape date

Label every bottle as soon as you fill it. Trust me, after a few batches, they all start to look the same. If you skip this step, you risk mixing up strengths or flavours, which can be dangerous—especially with nicotine. Some people use masking tape and a marker, others print custom labels. Whatever works, just make sure it’s clear and won’t rub off. And if you’re making several bottles at once, keep a notebook or digital log of your recipes and results. It saves a ton of headaches later.

Safety Equipment: Gloves and Cleaning Supplies

Safety equipment isn’t optional—it’s essential. Nicotine is toxic in concentrated form, and even flavourings or PG/VG can irritate skin or eyes. Nitrile gloves (not latex) protect your hands from spills and are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Paper towels and cleaning alcohol help you wipe up drips and keep your workspace tidy. Always mix in a dedicated area, away from food, kids, and pets. Good lighting and ventilation make a big difference, especially if you’re working with strong-smelling concentrates. If you want to skip the hassle of sourcing everything separately, VapeShop.bh has starter kits with all the safety gear and mixing equipment you need.

• Always work on a clean, flat surface
• Ensure good ventilation (open window or fan)
• Keep all ingredients and bottles away from children and pets
• Never eat, drink, or vape in your mixing area
• Use proper lighting to avoid mistakes
• Wear gloves and clean up spills immediately

Following these workspace safety rules isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about making sure your homemade vape juice is as safe as anything you’d buy in a shop. If you ever spill nicotine, clean it up right away and wash your hands. Don’t take shortcuts with safety equipment. It’s a small investment for peace of mind. And if you’re in Bahrain, getting a full kit from VapeShop.bh means you can start mixing with confidence, knowing you’ve got everything covered.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Vape Juice at Home

Mixing your own vape juice at home isn’t just for the pros. This 7-step process works for any recipe size, whether you’re making a single 30ml bottle or prepping a big batch for the month. You’ll get full control over every ingredient, and once you’ve done it once, the whole thing feels surprisingly straightforward. The key is following each step carefully, especially when it comes to nicotine safety and accurate measurements. If you’re new, don’t stress. I’ll walk you through every detail, so you can avoid the rookie mistakes and end up with a vape juice you’re actually excited to use.

Step 1: Calculate Your Recipe and Gather Materials

Before you start pouring anything, you need a plan. The easiest way is to use an online e-liquid calculator. These tools let you plug in your desired bottle size, nicotine strength, PG/VG ratio, and flavour percentage. For beginners, a 30ml batch is perfect. It’s enough to test your mix but not so much that you’ll waste ingredients if you don’t love the result. Choose your PG/VG ratio based on your device: 50/50 for pod systems (mouth-to-lung), 70/30 VG for sub-ohm tanks (direct-to-lung). Most people start with 3mg or 6mg nicotine, but you can go higher or lower. For flavour, 15% total concentrate is a safe starting point. Here’s a quick example for a 30ml bottle, 3mg nicotine, 70/30 VG/PG, 15% flavour:

Example Calculation: For a 30ml bottle: 21ml VG, 6ml PG, 4.5ml flavour concentrate, 1.5ml 100mg/ml nicotine base (for 3mg strength). Always double-check your math with a calculator. If you’re not sure, ask in a vaping forum or check with your local vape shop.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace Safely

1. Clean your workspace thoroughly. Wipe down all surfaces and make sure there’s no food, drink, or clutter nearby.
2. Gather all your ingredients and equipment before you start. This includes PG, VG, nicotine, flavour concentrates, syringes or scale, bottles, gloves, and paper towels.
3. Put on nitrile gloves. Nicotine can absorb through skin, so don’t skip this.
4. Ensure good ventilation. Open a window or use a fan if possible.
5. Have paper towels and cleaning alcohol ready for spills.

A clean, organized space makes the whole mixing process smoother. It also keeps you safe. Don’t mix where kids or pets can reach, and never eat or drink while handling vape juice ingredients.

Step 3: Measure and Mix Your Base (PG/VG)

Now it’s time to get precise. Place your empty bottle on a digital scale and tare it to zero. Add the calculated amount of PG, then VG. If you’re measuring by volume, use graduated syringes or beakers. VG is thick and pours slowly, so be patient. If you’re using a scale, you’ll get more consistent results and less mess. For a 30ml batch, you might add 6ml PG and 21ml VG for a 70/30 mix. Always add PG first, since it’s thinner and easier to measure. Tip: Warm your VG bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes if it’s too thick to pour easily.

Step 4: Add Flavour Concentrates

Flavour is where you get creative. Add your flavour concentrates one at a time, starting with the largest percentage if you’re using a blend. Use a separate syringe or pipette for each flavour to avoid cross-contamination. For a single-flavour recipe, just add the full amount (for example, 4.5ml for a 15% mix in a 30ml bottle). If you’re mixing multiple flavours, add each one according to your recipe. Don’t go overboard – too much flavour can actually ruin the vape. Most concentrates are strong, so less is often more. If you’re not sure, stick to 10-15% total flavour for your first try.

Step 5: Add Nicotine (If Desired)

Nicotine is the most sensitive part of the process. Put on a fresh pair of gloves before handling. Use a dedicated syringe for nicotine and never use it for anything else. Draw up the exact amount you calculated earlier, double-check your math, and add it slowly to your mix. Never exceed your intended strength. If you spill, clean it up immediately and dispose of any contaminated materials safely.

Nicotine Safety Warning: Nicotine is toxic in high concentrations. Always wear gloves, keep it away from skin and eyes, and store it out of reach of children and pets. If you get nicotine on your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, stop mixing and seek medical help.

Step 6: Mix Thoroughly and Bottle

Once all your ingredients are in the bottle, cap it tightly. Shake the bottle as hard as you can for at least 2-3 minutes. You want everything fully blended – no streaks, no separation. If you’re making a big batch, you can use a magnetic stirrer, but for most people, shaking by hand works fine. Check the mix for any separation. If you see layers, shake again. Some people use a warm water bath to help blend thick mixes, but it’s not required for small batches.

Step 7: Label and Steep Your E-Liquid

Label your bottle with the date, flavour, nicotine strength, PG/VG ratio, and steeping start date. This isn’t just for organization – it’s a safety thing, too. Store your bottle in a cool, dark place (a drawer or cupboard works). Steeping lets the flavours blend and mellow. For fruit flavours, 3-7 days is usually enough. Dessert and tobacco flavours need more time – sometimes up to two weeks. Shake your bottle once a day during steeping. If you’re impatient, you can try your juice right away, but most mixes taste better after steeping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much flavour concentrate – More isn’t always better. Over-flavouring can make your juice harsh or weirdly sweet.
• Not steeping long enough – Some flavours need time to develop. If it tastes off, give it a few more days.
• Poor nicotine calculations – Always double-check your math and use an e-liquid calculator.
• Contaminated equipment – Clean syringes and bottles before every use. Old residue can ruin a fresh batch.
• Improper storage – Heat, light, and air degrade vape juice. Store bottles in a cool, dark place with the cap on tight.
• Skipping safety equipment – Gloves and good ventilation aren’t optional, especially with nicotine.
• Not labeling bottles – Unlabeled juice is a recipe for confusion or even danger.
• Mixing in the wrong order – Always add PG/VG first, then flavour, then nicotine last.

If you follow these steps, you’ll avoid most of the headaches that trip up new DIY mixers. The process gets easier every time. And if you ever need supplies or want to try new flavours, VapeShop.bh has a solid range of DIY ingredients and bottles with quick delivery in Bahrain. Just remember: safety first, accuracy second, and patience always pays off when you’re making vape juice at home.