What's the benefit in using vodka, everclear, etc...

[my4jewels]

I've been looking over the recipe section, and a lot of the recipes I like have vodka or everclear as an ingredient. I don't have a problem with using it if it's needed. I'm just wondering what it adds to a recipe and if it's necessary since I don't have any on hand.

Also, can one be substituted for the other?

I am trying to get up the nerve to try some diy. I have everything else that I need.

 

[KonaNeil]

Usually, alcohol from whatever source is used to cut VG. Without alcohol or distilled water VG is a little thick for our purpose. Alcohol gives a bit of a throat hit, however, for some people, it can also cause some throat irritation. The difference between vodka and Everclear is one of strength. I live in a state that does not import Everclear. When I want a strong alcohol component I use a locally made 154 proof rum though usually I just use water.

Don't be afraid to substitute distilled water for alcohol in any recipe.

 

[Old Chemist]

When I want a strong alcohol component I use a locally made 154 proof rum though usually I just use water.

Wow, that must be a really nice experience... a bit like pipe tobacco, I guess. Do you use it with tobacco liquids or others, too?

 

[my4jewels]

Usually, alcohol from whatever source is used to cut VG. Without alcohol or distilled water VG is a little thick for our purpose. Alcohol gives a bit of a throat hit, however, for some people, it can also cause some throat irritation. The difference between vodka and Everclear is one of strength. I live in a state that does not import Everclear. When I want a strong alcohol component I use a locally made 154 proof rum though usually I just use water.

Don't be afraid to substitute distilled water for alcohol in any recipe.

Thanks for the info. I thought it would be a taste issue. If distilled water can be used, why use more expensive alternatives?

 

[Old Chemist]

It IS a taste issue, too. Adding alcohol enriches the aroma, sometimes in quite a nice way. If you add even a drop or two to a 10 ml bottle, you'd see (or rather taste) the difference.

 

[Chime]

I use everclear for th, to help thin vg a touch and to help the flavoring components mix better.

I make a habit of adding the pga first and dumping my flavors in to then the filler (vg/pg), shake the hell out of it and finally add the nic.

EDIT : never add much tho like 8% is as high as I've gone it gets really hard on the throat and dries me out bad over that

 

[MaxUT]

Alcohol is very volatile, boils quickly. It can serve as an emulsifier for some flavors, especially essential "oils" (mints, spices, citrus) to help mix and integrate them into the PG/VG juice base. I think it helps to intensify these flavorings.

I always use liquor in my cocktail-flavored juices: Mojito (rum), Tom Collins (gin), Cuba Libre (rum), Tequila Sunrise (tequila).
With these I've begun to premix the citrus flavorings with the liquor before adding the other ingredients.

Some people think that adding alcohol helps to keep the atomizer/cartomizer cleaner. It seems to help with cartomizer filler.

 

[Old Chemist]

Some people think that adding alcohol helps to keep the atomizer/cartomizer cleaner. It seems to help with cartomizer filler.

That's not the case, unless you just rinse the atomizer with alcohol. If you just add it to the liquid it would evaporate quikcly leaving the impurities right in the atomizer.
One thing is sure - alcohol decreases the viscosity of the liquid better than any other solvent. Therefore it can be used to make liquid thinner, ie for better penetration.

 

[MaxUT]

...for better penetration.

My wife would like that...

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...she uses cartomizers.

Thanks OC!