Can You Mix Vape Juice
Vaping has evolved into a world of variety, with hundreds of flavours, nicotine strengths, and ratios to choose from. Many UK vapers enjoy experimenting with e-liquids, either to create a unique flavour or to adjust the nicotine level to something that feels just right. This leads to a common question: can you mix vape juice? The short answer is yes, you can, but there are important rules and precautions to follow if you want to do it safely and effectively.
Mixing e-liquids is not as simple as pouring two bottles together and shaking them up. Understanding how ingredients, nicotine, and flavour profiles interact will help you make a blend that tastes great, performs well in your device, and complies with UK vaping regulations.
Understanding What’s in Vape Juice
All vape juices, or e-liquids, are made from the same basic ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and often nicotine. These ingredients are combined in different ratios to produce the desired vaping experience. PG is responsible for flavour delivery and throat hit, while VG creates the vapour clouds and smoothness.
Nicotine is added separately in various concentrations or can be omitted entirely for those who prefer nicotine-free vaping. Flavourings give the e-liquid its taste, ranging from simple fruit blends to complex dessert, menthol, or tobacco profiles. Because the base ingredients are consistent across brands, they can usually be mixed safely, provided they are from reputable, UK-regulated manufacturers.
Mixing Vape Juices for Flavour
One of the most common reasons people mix vape juice is to create a custom flavour. You might combine two or more e-liquids to develop something new, such as mixing a strawberry and vanilla to make strawberries and cream, or blending a menthol with a fruit flavour for a cooling twist.
Mixing flavours is safe as long as the liquids are compatible in terms of PG/VG ratio and nicotine content. E-liquids with similar base compositions mix best because they maintain consistent vapour production and throat feel. If one liquid is much higher in VG than the other, it can slightly change the texture and cloud output, but this is mostly a matter of personal preference rather than safety.
Mixing for Nicotine Strength
Another common reason to mix vape juice is to adjust nicotine levels. For example, you might have one bottle with 6mg of nicotine and another with 12mg, and you want something in between. By mixing equal parts, you would create an e-liquid with around 9mg of nicotine.
This can be useful for people who are trying to gradually reduce their nicotine intake. However, accuracy is important. Always measure carefully, and make sure you know the strength of each liquid you are combining. UK law restricts nicotine-containing e-liquids to 20mg/ml or less, so any mixture you create should stay within that limit.
Mixing Nicotine-Free and Nicotine E-Liquids
If you prefer a lower strength but still want some nicotine, you can combine a nicotine-free liquid with a nicotine-containing one. This is common among vapers who enjoy strong flavours but do not want a harsh throat hit. Mixing these together reduces the overall nicotine concentration and smooths the vapour.
The easiest way to do this safely is to use shortfills and nicotine shots. A shortfill is a larger bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid that has space for a small 10ml shot of nicotine. These are designed for mixing, and when you add the shot, it dilutes evenly to create your desired strength. This method is compliant with UK law and avoids guesswork.
PG/VG Ratios and Why They Matter
When mixing vape juice, the PG/VG ratio affects how the e-liquid behaves in your device. High-PG liquids give a stronger throat hit and work best in smaller pod systems, while high-VG liquids produce dense clouds and are ideal for sub-ohm tanks.
If you mix two liquids with different ratios, the result will be an average of both. For instance, combining a 50/50 blend with a 70/30 VG/PG liquid will produce a mix somewhere around 60/40. This may slightly change vapour production, flavour intensity, and wicking performance, but it will still be perfectly vapeable.
It’s a good idea to keep mixed e-liquids within a reasonable range for your device. Too much VG in a small pod system can cause coil clogging, while too much PG in a sub-ohm tank can lead to harshness or leaks.
Can You Mix Different Brands?
In most cases, you can safely mix e-liquids from different brands, as long as both are manufactured and sold legally in the UK. The ingredients are standardised and regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which ensures they are free from harmful additives.
However, every brand uses slightly different flavouring formulas, so mixing them may lead to unexpected flavour results. Some combinations can taste fantastic, while others may clash. It’s often best to start small, testing a few millilitres at a time before committing to a full bottle.
How to Mix Vape Juice Properly
If you decide to mix vape juice, always do so with clean equipment and in a well-lit space. Use empty bottles with clear measurement markings so you can calculate your ratios accurately. Shake the mixture thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly blended, then allow it to sit for a while before vaping.
This resting period, known as steeping, allows the flavours to mix properly and develop a smoother taste. Some e-liquids, especially those with dessert or custard flavours, benefit from a few days of steeping to bring out their full richness.
Safety Considerations When Mixing Vape Juice
While mixing e-liquids is safe when done correctly, it should always be approached with care. Only mix products that are clearly labelled and compliant with UK standards. Avoid using unlabelled or unregulated e-liquids, as their ingredients may not be tested for safety.
Always wash your hands after handling nicotine, as it can absorb through the skin in high concentrations. If any liquid spills, clean it immediately and keep all e-liquids out of reach of children and pets.
What Not to Mix
Never attempt to mix vape juice with alcohol, water, or any liquid that is not designed for vaping. These substances can damage your device and irritate the lungs. Similarly, do not mix e-liquids with oils or essential oils, as they are not suitable for inhalation and can cause serious respiratory harm.
UK Law and Regulation on E-Liquid Mixing
In the UK, all e-liquids containing nicotine must comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). This means bottles are limited to 10ml in size, and nicotine strength cannot exceed 20mg/ml. Shortfills and nicotine shots are designed within these rules to give consumers flexibility while maintaining safety.
Homemade mixing is legal for personal use as long as it uses regulated products. Selling mixed e-liquids to others, however, would require proper registration and approval through the MHRA.
Does Mixing Affect Coil Life or Device Performance?
Mixing vape juice can change how your coil performs, especially if the new blend has a different VG ratio or contains sweeter flavourings. High VG liquids and dessert-style flavours can cause coils to burn out more quickly due to residue build-up. To prevent this, make sure your mixture suits your device type and wattage.
If you notice a burnt taste, reduced vapour, or gurgling, it may be time to clean your tank or replace the coil. Keeping your device maintained ensures consistent performance even when experimenting with blends.
The Fun of Custom Flavours
For many vapers, mixing e-liquids is a creative and enjoyable part of the experience. It allows for endless flavour combinations and personalisation. Some even recreate their favourite shop-bought flavours at home using the same flavour profiles. As long as it is done safely and responsibly, mixing vape juice can make vaping more interesting and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can mix vape juice, and many vapers do so successfully to customise flavour, nicotine strength, and vapour style. The key is to use regulated, high-quality e-liquids, measure carefully, and understand how PG, VG, and nicotine interact. Whether you are blending fruity flavours or adjusting your nicotine strength, mixing can be a rewarding way to personalise your vaping experience while staying within UK safety guidelines. By starting small and experimenting gradually, you can find the perfect balance that suits your taste and device.