You can still get TH from no nic juice, but nicotine does play a part in it. TH comes from nicotine, PG level and voltage. If you have a 5 or 6V or a VV mod, you should still be able to get some TH. You probably won't get much from a 3.7V.
Morandir already hit on the cinnamon, menthol connection. Sometimes mint can also create TH.