Point me to some recipes?

[Nate5700]

Hey all, I'm returning to vaping after a hiatus, and for some reason this time around my interest in DIY is getting piqued. I've tried it before and have some flavors lying around, but I need to buy more nic and am thinking I'll need to get more flavors while I'm at it. So I'm looking for some recipes to start with. I looked at the recipe index on the sub-forum and there's a lot there, so I'm not totally sure where to start.

One thing I want to do is try to replicate a flavor I really liked once. It was called "Our 4" by a maker called High Caliber. This was way back in the day and I'm pretty sure High Caliber doesn't exist anymore. "Our 4" was supposed to be their take on RY4, but it had some significant differences from other RY4s I've tried. Most RY4s I've tried have had a brighter, sweeter flavor. This had a deeper caramel flavor and wasn't as sweet, and maybe had some darker notes like a hint of chocolate. Best thing I could compare it to would be Nicoticket's The Virus, but The Virus doesn't really have the chocolate thing going on from what I can tell. So, I'm thinking of starting with an RY4 recipe as a base and maybe using some more caramel and a little bittersweet chocolate and seeing how that goes. Anybody know a good recipe that might work as a base? I saw an RY4 recipe in the index but it used a Seedman tobacco flavor and I don't really want to mess with that, I want to try to stick to flavors I can get from one supplier like Ecigexpress.

I've also been enjoying some dessert type flavors lately. I really liked Nicoticket's Grandma's Cinnamon Danish when that was still available, and lately I've taken to mixing cinnamon liquid with vanilla custard to try to replicate that "cinnamon roll" sort of taste. I also like vanilla custard on its own, but I can't do it all day, it gets sort of cloying after a while.

I'd also maybe like to try a fruity flavor, like a fruit punch or something with some grape in it.

Anyway, if anyone has some suggestions I'd be most appreciative. This will give me an idea of what flavors to buy when I order.

 

[dennism]

On ecx home page there is a tab named info center, under that tab you will see ecigexpress cookbook. You can check out some recipes there.

 

[Nicklemile]

Hi Nate5700. Looks like we are in the same vape boat. I asked a related question and got a healthy mound of great advise. check out this link to the question but pay close attention to the responses... They might help you... Measuring concentrates and making funk

 

[Marc411]

This will download as a PDF, a bunch of recipe links are on page three.

 

[dc99]

You basically described TFA RY4D. Maybe just a bit of tweaking but from your description thats your base.

 

[Nate5700]

You basically described TFA RY4D. Maybe just a bit of tweaking but from your description thats your base.

EcigExpress has a RY4 Double by Signature with (TFA) in parentheses. I'm guessing this is what you're referring to? I guess the Signature line is done by TFA?

 

[NatashaTMT]

I don’t know a thing about tobacco flavors but sounds like you might like ID10-T’s Snickerdoodle Cookie. I’ve altered it slightly but you might like original better. Mine are in parenthesis...
3% CAP Cinnamon Danish Swirl
1% TPA Marshmallow (1.5%, 1-1.5 CAP original works well)
7% Sugar Cookie (8%)
4% CAP Vanilla Custard (5%)
(2% TFA Graham Cracker Clear, but other works in a bind)
I’ve seen people post this recipe, changing the name, without giving due credit. It’s good and flavorful IMO. Some might be skeptical with the total percentage of flavoring but if it taste good, it taste good! This was a good transitional recipe, for me, going from commercial to DIY.

 

[dc99]

EcigExpress has a RY4 Double by Signature with (TFA) in parentheses. I'm guessing this is what you're referring to? I guess the Signature line is done by TFA?

Thats it. Read some of the reviews. Personally I treat this flavor more as caramel than anything. Keep in mind that Im going by your description of the taste. You might want to try this Obsidian by DIYorDIE

 

[Nate5700]

Thanks all for your replies!

Some might be skeptical with the total percentage of flavoring but if it taste good, it taste good!

Is there a rule of thumb for how much percentage flavoring to base one should use? Obviously it could vary depending on the strength of the flavors used, but if there's a general guideline that could help. So...10% flavoring? 15%? The recipe you posted is 15% flavoring in its original form...

Thats it. Read some of the reviews. Personally I treat this flavor more as caramel than anything. Keep in mind that Im going by your description of the taste. You might want to try this Obsidian by DIYorDIE

Ok, good. I placed my order and that's what I got. I also saw a caramel and nut tobacco recipe that uses TFA Signature DK Tobacco Base so I got some of that. I'm going to try making those, as well as an apple/honeysuckle recipe I saw. I also got some Flavor West Cinnamon Roll and Vanilla Swirl to play with, I will probably try them both alone and also see how they mix.

 

[NatashaTMT]

Is there a rule of thumb for how much percentage flavoring to base one should use? Obviously it could vary depending on the strength of the flavors used, but if there's a general guideline that could help. So...10% flavoring? 15%? The recipe you posted is 15% flavoring in its original form...

As you stated, it depends on the strength of the flavors. Some people, who might be more flavor sensitive, won’t go over 5%. I’ve heard some say 10% stern, while others say 10-12%. I’ve heard 15% a good deal but also 20%. Plenty also say 25% max, as do I. Unless it’s a s&v, maybe 30-32% but rarely. Many will probably disagree with this for s&v. Once juices with this high percentages steep, more than likely it’d be a muted mumbo jumbo mess... Especially using more than 2-3 flavors. This is a topic you’ll get many answers on, depending on who you ask. I suggest starting low and working up until you find what works for you, in general. Although I’m saying 25% max now, that may very well change. I’ve only been mixing a few months and still learning my likes, etc. ALL this being said, one of my favourite recipes atm has barely over 6%. It can seem complicated but it’s really not. As long as you keep it simple and have a feasible reason for all actions you take in DIY, it’ll all come together and you'll have your answers before you know it!

 

[IDJoel]

This was one of the first DIY recipes I ever made:
Scutch - RWhy4 Reloaded

It is an older recipe (2015), and made for earlier hardware (less power, higher ohms, less airflow), so it may need adjustment for today's equipment. It uses a high percentage of flavoring (20%), but that could be cut back.

An easy way to experiment with this (or any recipe) is to create a "flavor base." A flavor base is basically a custom flavor concentrate that you make yourself. Once made and thoroughly shaken, the DIYer simply adds the flavor base to their preferred PG, VG, and nicotine, just like using a store-bought flavor concentrate.

The advantage comes from being able to quickly and easily try a recipe at multiple strengths without having to handle all the various ingredients each and every time. As a flavor base, the above recipe would look like this:

(Note: I had subbed TFA-Toasted Almond for the same Percentage as the TFA-Pistachio)

To make the recipe as the author intended, I would just use 20% of this flavor base. However, I can just as easily try it at 15%, 10%, or whatever other percentage I desire. All without having to fiddle with each ingredient's individual percentage.

Once I have figured out what percentage is best for me and my equipment, I can either continue to use the flavor base to make future recipes, or I can adjust the recipe once to my preferred total percentage.

EDIT TO ADD:
I guess I should have added a bit of info about the recipe.

It is a very caramel(y), butterscotch(y), base with a mild nut back note. It is fairly sweet, and I can't say that I ever got any noticeable "tobacco" taste out of it, but it was tasty none the less.

Just about any TFA nut concentrate can be substituted for the Pistachio. The author suggests Toasted Almond in his thread; but I have also used Hazelnut, and Pecan, with success too.

I have mixed it for several friends and it was universally liked.

I see no reason why you couldn't add a touch of chocolate to this, if you want that added presence, but try a small batch of the original first.

 

[Nate5700]

This was one of the first DIY recipes I ever made:
Scutch - RWhy4 Reloaded

It is an older recipe (2015), and made for earlier hardware (less power, higher ohms, less airflow), so it may need adjustment for today's equipment. It uses a high percentage of flavoring (20%), but that could be cut back.

An easy way to experiment with this (or any recipe) is to create a "flavor base." A flavor base is basically a custom flavor concentrate that you make yourself. Once made and thoroughly shaken, the DIYer simply adds the flavor base to their preferred PG, VG, and nicotine, just like using a store-bought flavor concentrate.

The advantage comes from being able to quickly and easily try a recipe at multiple strengths without having to handle all the various ingredients each and every time.

This looks like a good recipe! I don't think I've got the butterscotch though. I just ordered 9 or 10 flavors but I guess I need to make a list of things to order as I come across recipes.

I'm tootle-puffing at 10 watts so I'm guessing I can use the recipe as-is.

I like the idea of the "flavor base" too, especially if I'm able to come up with something that I'm going to want to make in larger quantities. Seems like it would simplify the process quite a bit. As it is I'm probably going to do pretty small batches at first, I don't want to mix up a bunch of flavor as a flavor base and then not like it.

It seems like 10-20% is a good guideline. I'll probably start at the lower end and work up if I don't have a definite recipe for something. I'm thinking about this too for just trying single flavors. So if I want to make sour apple juice and have sour apple flavor, how much flavor to use? 20% of just one flavor seems like it would be a little much, but it's been a long time since I've done DIY.

 

[IDJoel]

As it is I'm probably going to do pretty small batches at first, I don't want to mix up a bunch of flavor as a flavor base and then not like it.

Sounds smart!

Keeping experiments small is always wise. It preserves inventory, and it minimizes waste. You can always make more; but I have yet to figure out how to put it back in their original bottles.

It seems like 10-20% is a good guideline. I'll probably start at the lower end and work up if I don't have a definite recipe for something. I'm thinking about this too for just trying single flavors. So if I want to make sour apple juice and have sour apple flavor, how much flavor to use? 20% of just one flavor seems like it would be a little much, but it's been a long time since I've done DIY.

I don't really agree with that idea. Flavor concentrates vary just too much (both brand to brand; and even within the same brand). Starting with a "blind" percentage is merely a recipe for waste and frustration to me.

Instead, I would encourage you to research each flavor concentrate separately, before choosing a mixing percentage. Both E-liquid Recipes, and All The Flavors, offer an "average used" for most flavors. You can also look at vendor websites like Bull City Flavors, or ECIGEXPRESS, and read the user reviews and comments for suggestions.

When presented with a range of flavor usage; start at the low end and work up as needed.

Just as an FYI: one of the most common mistakes I see beginning DIYers make; is thinking using more flavor concentrate(s) equals more flavor. While it sounds like it should be true; it is not. Concentrates often have a threshold (which also varies from concentrate to concentrate), where once exceeded, the perceived flavor will actually fall off/diminish. Excessive flavoring can also add artificial/fake/off/chemical tastes to the mix.

 

[ShamrockPat]

Both E-liquid Recipes, and All The Flavors, offer an "average used" for most flavors

I prefer to use the median on that first site mentioned, because when I see something like this "Maximum used quantity: 50%" for a recipe, I THINK it might skew the average for those of us that create Flavor bases.

 

[IDJoel]

I prefer to use the median on that first site mentioned, because when I see something like this "Maximum used quantity: 50%" for a recipe, I THINK it might skew the average for those of us that create Flavor bases.

Valid point. I was actually referring to the mean verses median averages; but I failed to clarify. Thanks for fixing my mistake.

 

[DeloresRose]

Sounds smart!

Keeping experiments small is always wise. It preserves inventory, and it minimizes waste. You can always make more; but I have yet to figure out how to put it back in their original bottles.

I don't really agree with that idea. Flavor concentrates vary just too much (both brand to brand; and even within the same brand). Starting with a "blind" percentage is merely a recipe for waste and frustration to me.

Instead, I would encourage you to research each flavor concentrate separately, before choosing a mixing percentage. Both E-liquid Recipes, and All The Flavors, offer an "average used" for most flavors. You can also look at vendor websites like Bull City Flavors, or ECIGEXPRESS, and read the user reviews and comments for suggestions.

When presented with a range of flavor usage; start at the low end and work up as needed.

Just as an FYI: one of the most common mistakes I see beginning DIYers make; is thinking using more flavor concentrate(s) equals more flavor. While it sounds like it should be true; it is not. Concentrates often have a threshold (which also varies from concentrate to concentrate), where once exceeded, the perceived flavor will actually fall off/diminish. Excessive flavoring can also add artificial/fake/off/chemical tastes to the mix.

Agree 100%.

For unfamiliar flavors, I look at the recommended percentage and start lower. Like, half. I make 10 ml tests which gives me plenty to goof around with.


When I find the sweet spot and want to use it in a recipe, I usually divide my percentage by how many flavors in the recipe. For example, 6% would be 2% in a 3 flavor juice.

That’s where I start anyway, I may need to adjust it some but it’ll be close.

Also I keep notes. Loads of notes. I write down every test, every tweak, every batch, for every flavor or recipe.

 

[BrotherBob]

I'll need to get more flavors while I'm at it. So I'm looking for some recipes to start with. I looked at the recipe index on the sub-forum and there's a lot there, so I'm not totally sure where to start.

Best advice I can give is to obtain recipes you may like to try first, and buy only those flavors listed in the recipes. It's never a good idea to buy a flavor because it sounds good. If you have researched/read reviews about that flavor and determined it's for you, If you must, find a recipe that uses that flavor. After I receive the flavors, I test them as standalone single flavors. These tests are important because they will give me a feel for taste and strength. I'm not looking for excellent taste, but more on how they might interact in a mix/known recipe. I find that very few single/standalone flavors can be used by themselves.
The following may help your quest in find some popular recipes:
Updated DIY Links (Thanks Sir2fyablynutz) | E-Cigarette Forum

This had a deeper caramel flavor and wasn't as sweet, and maybe had some darker notes like a hint of chocolate. Best thing I could compare it to would be Nicoticket's The Virus, but The Virus doesn't really have the chocolate thing going on from what I can tell. So, I'm thinking of starting with an RY4 recipe as a base and maybe using some more caramel and a little bittersweet chocolate and seeing how that goes.

Might want to read:
INW Am4a • r/DIY_eJuice

 

[stols001]

Start low, steep at least a week before flavoring up.

If you are coming from storebought, depending on the flavor, well I guess 10--20 is not UNREASONABLE, but I might go even a bit lower to start with. It's much easier to add a bit of flavor than dilute down (found that out the hard way).

However, yes, whatever you do, keep notes. I usually try to "fix" any failed mixes (unless they are sheerly vomitous like a "chocolate milk" flavor I made. I don't even know what I was thinking that day, I don't much LIKE chocolate milk. But otherwise, I usually try a bit of fixing before discarding, I can actually learn a lot that way, too.

Best of luck!

Anna

 

[Nate5700]

Thanks again for all the replies, this thread is getting a bit overwhelming!

I'll look at the recommended percentages and start low. I want to try individual flavors if I can just to get a feel for them. I'm going to want to experiment and create my own recipes, just the way I am I guess.

 

[stols001]

@Nate5700 , that's exactly what I did. I haven't followed a single recipe and I'm fairly happy with my offerings to my tongue. Moreso, the folks who want me to flavor for them, I can do a fairly good job at mixing something they won't hate, (I just have them pick a couple dominant flavors, over flavor (for me) over sweeten (for me) and add some other stuff, do a quick and dirty heat steep and send them on their way. They would be the type of persons who WOULD tell me if they hated my juices. LOL.

So, I think your approach is great, and I approached flavoring like cooking-- If I don't know what my ingredients do, how can I really make something with confidence? There are a ton of ways to approach DIY, so do it your own way.

I'm entirely sure you can make it work.

Anna