How to make your own flavor extracts for ejuice?

With the increase in popularity of vaping, more and more people are starting to make their own e-juice. One way to add variety to your e-juice collection is to make your own flavor extracts. Not only is making your own flavor extracts satisfying, but it can also save you money in the long run. In this article, we will discuss how to make your own flavor extracts for e-juice.

Ingredients needed for making flavor extracts:

Before we dive into the methods for making your own flavor extracts, let’s first go over what ingredients you will need for this project. You can’t make a flavor extract without flavorings, and there are a few other things you may need depending on the method you choose.

1. Flavorings - You can use any flavorings you prefer. Some popular options include fruit, candy, chocolate, and even coffee flavorings. The flavorings should be concentrated and food-grade, meaning they are safe for consumption.

2. Vegetable Glycerin (VG) - This is the base for most e-juices, and it will be used here as well. VG will help extract the flavor from the flavorings.

3. Propylene Glycol (PG) - Like VG, this is another base for most e-juices. Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the amount of PG used in your flavor extracts.

4. Glass bottles - You will need a glass bottle to store the flavor extract. Amber glass bottles are best to use since they don’t let UV light in.

5. Sterilized utensils - You should sterilize all utensils used in the process of making the flavor extract.

6. Measuring equipment - You will need measuring cups, spoons, and syringes to measure out the ingredients.

Methods to make flavor extracts:

1. Soaking method

This method is the simplest one and requires the least amount of equipment. All you need to do is mix your chosen flavoring with VG in a glass bottle and let it steep for a few days or weeks, depending on how strong you want the flavor.

To make the extract:

1. Measure out the flavorings and VG in the desired ratio. For example, if you are using 10ml of VG, add 3-5 drops of flavorings. You can adjust the ratio to suit your preferences.

2. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.

3. Let the mixture steep for a few days up to a few weeks, shaking the bottle every day.

4. After the steeping period, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any impurities.

5. Pour the extract into a glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

2. Alcohol extraction method

This method uses alcohol to extract the flavors from the flavorings. Alcohol is a more effective solvent than VG and can extract more complex flavors from the flavorings.

To make the extract:

1. Measure out the desired ratio of flavorings and PG in a glass jar.

2. Add enough alcohol to cover the mixture, but not too much where it can’t be diluted. A good starting point is to use 1 oz of alcohol per 5 ml of flavorings.

3. Stir the mixture well and then cover the jar with a lid.

4. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks, shaking it every day.

5. After the steeping period, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any impurities.

6. Add VG to the alcohol mixture in the desired ratio. For example, for a 70/30 VG/PG ratio, add 7ml of VG to 3ml of PG. You can adjust the ratio to suit your preferences.

7. Pour the extract into a glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

3. Heat and vacuum extraction method

This method utilizes heat and vacuum to extract the flavors from the flavorings. This method is more complex and requires more equipment than the other two methods. However, it is also the most efficient way to extract flavors.

To make the extract:

1. Mix the desired ratio of flavorings and PG in a glass jar.

2. Seal the jar with a lid and put it into a water bath. Heat it to around 130-150°F.

3. After an hour, remove the jar from the water bath and let it cool.

4. Once cool, put the jar into a vacuum chamber. Evacuate the chamber using a vacuum pump.

5. Restore atmospheric pressure, and you will see that the extract will expand and boil.

6. Repeat the process of evacuating and restoring pressure two more times.

7. Add VG to the mixture in the desired ratio and shake well.

8. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any impurities.

9. Pour the extract into a glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

Making your own flavor extracts is an easy and cost-effective way to add variety to your e-juice collection. With the right tools and ingredients, anyone can make their own flavor extract. There are a few things to keep in mind, such as measuring accurately, using safe and food-grade ingredients, and storing the extracts properly. Whether you need a quick extract or a more complex one, these methods should serve you well.