DIY e-liquid: everything you need to make your e-liquid
DIY (Do It Yourself) allows you to make your own DIY e-liquid for e-cigarettes from a base, one or more concentrated flavours and, if needed, nicotine boosters. This method is appealing to a growing number of vapers who wish to prepare a liquid tailored to their vaping habits, their flavour preferences and the nicotine level they are looking for.
Whether you are new to the world of DIY or already used to preparing your recipes, you will find at Le Vapoteur Discount everything you need to make your mixes: DIY bases, nicotine boosters, concentrated flavours, DIY packs, additives and accessories. Each product has been selected to allow you to carry out your preparation in the best conditions, whatever your level of experience.
Making your own e-liquid does not require any particular technical knowledge. With a few components, a suitable dosage and a respected steeping time, it is possible to obtain a personalised e-liquid in just a few steps.
Why make your own DIY e-liquid?
DIY is now a well-established practice in the world of vaping. While some vapers enjoy ready-to-use e-liquids, others prefer to prepare their own recipes in order to enjoy greater freedom.
Fully personalise your vaping experience
One of the main advantages of DIY is being able to create an e-liquid that truly matches your preferences. You choose:
- the ratio of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (PG/VG);
- the desired nicotine level;
- concentrated flavours;
- any additives;
- the final volume of your preparation.
You can thus create a fruity, classic, menthol or gourmand recipe, or even create your own combinations of fruits, raspberry, lemon, mint or other flavours according to your preferences.
Adjusting your nicotine level
DIY also allows you to prepare an e-liquid with the nicotine level that suits you. Thanks to boosters, you can easily adjust your dosage according to your needs, whether you wish to maintain your current level or reduce it gradually.
Boosters are available in different PG/VG ratios in order to maintain a homogeneous composition with your DIY base.
Making large volumes
Another appreciated advantage is the ability to prepare large volumes. A one-litre base or a DIY pack allows you to make several hundred millilitres of e-liquid in a single preparation.
This solution reduces repetitive handling and ensures you always have an e-liquid ready to use after its steeping period.
A cost-effective solution
Making your own DIY e-liquid generally costs less than buying the same quantity of ready-to-vape liquid. Once the ingredients are purchased, you only need to replenish the necessary components: base, flavours, boosters or additives.
DIY has thus become a widely adopted solution among regular vapers who wish to manage their budget while retaining great freedom in their preparations.
The essential ingredients for making a DIY e-liquid
A DIY recipe relies on a few essential components. Each one has a specific role in the preparation.
The DIY base: the main element
The DIY base makes up the largest part of your preparation. It is composed of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), with or without nicotine.
The choice of PG/VG ratio directly influences the vaping experience.
A base rich in propylene glycol enhances flavour delivery and provides a more fluid liquid, compatible with the majority of e-cigarettes designed for indirect inhalation.
Conversely, a base richer in vegetable glycerin produces a more abundant vapour and is better suited to powerful devices using subohm coils.
For versatile use, 50/50 PG/VG bases remain the most widely used today, as they offer a good balance between flavour delivery, vapour production and compatibility with most e-cigarette models.
At Le Vapoteur Discount, you will find various sizes to adapt your preparation to your consumption: 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre or ready-to-complete packs.
Nicotine boosters
Nicotine boosters allow you to add nicotine to a neutral base.
In France, they are packaged in 10 ml bottles with a maximum concentration of 20 mg/ml, in accordance with current regulations.
The number of boosters to incorporate depends on:
- the desired final volume;
- the desired nicotine level;
- the volume of your base.
To maintain a homogeneous preparation, it is advisable to use boosters with the same PG/VG ratio as your DIY base.
Boosters are also available in various pack sizes, including multipacks, to make it easy to prepare large volumes.
Concentrated flavours
The concentrated flavour is the ingredient that brings all the taste to your e-liquid.
Unlike a ready-to-vape e-liquid, a concentrate must never be used on its own. It must always be diluted in a base before use.
Each manufacturer recommends a specific dosage, generally expressed as a percentage. This varies depending on the recipes, the composition of the base or the PG/VG ratio used.
Le Vapoteur Discount offers several hundred DIY flavours across many families:
- fruit;
- red berries;
- mint;
- classic;
- gourmand;
- beverage;
- cool;
- candy;
- desserts.
This diversity makes it possible both to reproduce a favourite flavour and to create an entirely original recipe.
DIY additives
Additives are optional but allow you to fine-tune a preparation.
They do not replace a concentrated flavour but modify certain characteristics of the final liquid.
Depending on the product chosen, an additive can for example provide:
- a cooling sensation;
- a slightly sweet note;
- more roundness;
- a slight tangy note.
Given their concentration, additives are generally used at very low dosages. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions in order to maintain a good aromatic balance.
DIY packs: a simplified preparation
For vapers who wish to save time, DIY packs are a particularly practical solution.
They combine a base and the required number of boosters directly to achieve a precise nicotine level. You then simply add the concentrated flavour(s) of your choice before mixing everything together.
This solution avoids complex calculations and simplifies the first preparations, while also allowing you to quickly make a large-volume e-liquid.
Essential accessories
Even if some blends can be made directly in the base bottle, a few accessories make preparation easier:
- empty bottles in various sizes;
- pipettes;
- graduated syringes;
- beakers;
- funnels;
- labels;
- replacement caps.
These accessories allow you to dose more precisely, prepare several recipes simultaneously or store each preparation correctly once finished.
They quickly become indispensable when you regularly prepare your own DIY e-liquid.
How to make your DIY e-liquid?
Making your own DIY e-liquid is within everyone's reach. A few ingredients are enough to create a personalised recipe, provided you follow the recommended dosages and allow the mixture to steep before use.
Whether you are making your first preparation or are already familiar with DIY, the method always remains the same.
Step 1: choose your DIY base
The first step is to select a neutral base suited to your vaping device and your habits.
This base is composed of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Its ratio directly influences the fluidity of the liquid, flavour delivery and vapour production.
You can opt for different compositions:
- 50/50 PG/VG: the most versatile, compatible with the majority of e-cigarettes.
- 70/30 PG/VG: more geared towards flavours and throat hit.
- 30/70 PG/VG: ideal for producing a more abundant vapour with a powerful device.
- 100% VG or 100% PG: reserved for specific uses.
The choice of base is the starting point of any DIY preparation.
Step 2: determine the nicotine level
If you wish to vape an e-liquid containing nicotine, you will need to add one or more nicotine boosters.
The number of boosters depends on:
- the desired final volume;
- the desired nicotine level;
- the volume of your base.
The DIY packs offered by Le Vapoteur Discount simplify this step as they directly combine the base and the number of boosters corresponding to the selected dosage.
Step 3: add the concentrated flavour
The concentrated flavour brings all the taste to your preparation.
Each manufacturer indicates a recommended dosage, generally between 10% and 20% depending on the recipes and the PG/VG ratio used.
It is important to follow this recommendation in order to achieve a satisfactory aromatic balance.
You can use a single flavour or create your own recipe by combining several concentrates. Vapers particularly enjoy blends based on fruits, red berries, raspberry, lemon, mint, classic flavours or even gourmand recipes.
When starting out, it is generally preferable to begin with a single flavour in order to better appreciate its result before making more complex blends.
Step 4: incorporate additives (optional)
Once the base, boosters and flavour are mixed, you can add one or more additives if you wish to further personalise your recipe.
Depending on their function, they allow you in particular to:
- to provide a cooling sensation;
- to add a slight sweet note;
- to enhance certain flavours;
- to balance a blend.
As additives are highly concentrated, a few drops are generally sufficient.
Step 5: mix thoroughly
Once all the components are combined in the bottle, close it and shake it vigorously for about thirty seconds.
This step allows the preparation to become homogeneous before the steeping time.
For large volumes, it is advisable to repeat the operation several times during the first few hours.
How to choose the nicotine level for your DIY e-liquid?
One of the main advantages of DIY is being able to precisely adapt the nicotine level of your e-liquid according to your cigarette consumption and your progress in quitting smoking.
Thanks to nicotine boosters, you can prepare an e-liquid that meets your needs while maintaining the PG/VG ratio of your base.
As a guide, needs generally vary depending on the vaper's profile.
| Cigarette consumption |
Commonly used level |
| More than 20 cigarettes/day |
16 to 20 mg/ml |
| 10 to 20 cigarettes/day |
9 to 12 mg/ml |
| 5 to 10 cigarettes/day |
3 to 6 mg/ml |
| Fewer than 5 cigarettes/day |
0 to 3 mg/ml |
These values are indicative. The aim is to choose a dosage that helps replace cigarettes without experiencing cravings. If the level is insufficient, the urge to smoke may persist. Conversely, too high a dosage can cause discomfort when vaping.
DIY allows you to gradually adjust your preparation by reducing the number of boosters used over time.
Which PG/VG ratio to choose?
The propylene glycol (PG) / vegetable glycerin (VG) ratio directly influences the vaping experience. Each composition has its own specific characteristics.
| PG/VG ratio |
Flavour delivery |
Vapour production |
Compatibility |
| 70/30 |
Very high |
Moderate |
MTL e-cigarettes |
| 50/50 |
Balanced |
Balanced |
The majority of devices |
| 30/70 |
Good |
High |
Powerful devices |
| 20/80 |
Milder |
Very high |
Subohm |
| 100 VG |
More discreet |
Maximum |
Specific devices |
The 50/50 PG/VG remains the most versatile composition today as it offers a good balance between flavour delivery, throat hit and vapour production.
Steeping time: how long to wait?
Once your DIY e-liquid is prepared, the flavours need time to develop. This step, called steeping or maturation, allows a homogeneous blend to be achieved.
| Flavour family |
Recommended time |
| Simple fruity |
2 to 5 days |
| Complex fruity |
3 to 7 days |
| Mint |
5 to 10 days |
| Beverage |
5 to 10 days |
| Gourmand |
2 to 3 weeks |
| Classic |
2 to 3 weeks |
During this period, it is recommended to keep your bottle at room temperature, away from light, and to shake it regularly to encourage the mixing of the components.
Common mistakes when starting out in DIY
Making a DIY e-liquid is straightforward, but certain mistakes can alter the final result.
The most common are:
- using a concentrated flavour without diluting it in a base;
- not following the dosage recommended by the manufacturer;
- choosing a PG/VG ratio incompatible with your device;
- forgetting to account for the nicotine boosters in the final volume;
- vaping the liquid immediately without respecting the steeping time;
- not labelling your bottles after preparation.
By taking the time to properly prepare your recipe, you will obtain an e-liquid that faithfully follows the flavour manufacturer's recommendations.
Why use a DIY calculator?
The DIY calculator simplifies the preparation of your recipe by automatically calculating the quantities of each component.
With just a few pieces of information, it determines:
- the volume of DIY base to use;
- the number of boosters needed;
- the quantity of concentrated flavour;
- the final volume of your preparation.
This tool is particularly useful for preparations of 100 ml, 200 ml, 500 ml or 1 litre, where calculations quickly become more complex.
Even though a simple rule of three can yield the same result, the calculator reduces errors and saves valuable time.
DIY packs: a simple solution for preparing your e-liquid
Would you like to make your DIY e-liquid without having to calculate the quantities of base and boosters? DIY packs are an excellent solution for getting started or saving time on a daily basis.
They combine a DIY base and the required number of nicotine boosters directly to achieve a precise level. Once the boosters are incorporated, all that remains is to add your concentrated flavour(s) before leaving your preparation to steep.
This solution helps limit dosing errors and considerably simplifies the making of your liquid.
DIY packs are available in different sizes to meet the needs of every vaper. Whether you are preparing 100 ml, 200 ml or more, they allow you to easily make a large quantity of e-liquid with minimal handling.
They are often the best choice for a first experience in DIY.
DIY accessories: allies for a successful preparation
Even if DIY remains relatively straightforward, having the right accessories greatly facilitates the preparation of your recipes.
At Le Vapoteur Discount, you will find all the equipment needed to prepare, measure and store your e-liquid.
Among the most commonly used accessories are:
- empty bottles in various sizes;
- graduated bottles;
- pipettes;
- dosing syringes;
- beakers;
- funnels;
- replacement caps;
- labels to identify each preparation.
These accessories allow you in particular to prepare several recipes simultaneously, to measure each component precisely and to store your e-liquids in good conditions.
For large-volume preparations, they quickly become indispensable.
How to store a DIY e-liquid?
Once your preparation is finished and the steeping time has been observed, a few precautions will help preserve the quality of your e-liquid.
It is advisable to store your bottles:
- at room temperature;
- away from direct light;
- in a dry place;
- out of reach of children.
Remember to also label each preparation by noting on the bottle:
- the date of manufacture;
- the flavour used;
- the nicotine level;
- the PG/VG ratio.
This organisation is particularly practical when several recipes are being steeped at the same time.
Why choose Le Vapoteur Discount for your DIY?
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, Le Vapoteur Discount provides you with everything you need to make your DIY preparations.
Our selection includes:
- DIY bases available in several PG/VG ratios;
- nicotine boosters suited to each preparation;
- several hundred concentrated flavours;
- DIY packs ready to complete;
- additives to personalise your recipes;
- a wide range of DIY accessories.
You can thus find in one place all the components needed to make your e-liquid, whatever your vaping project.
Our aim is to support you in preparing your recipes by offering a complete range suited to both beginners and the most experienced vapers.