How does a base work in a DIY setup?

When mixing DIY, you combine the base, flavour concentrate and, optionally, a nicotine shot in an empty bottle. The end product is your finished e-liquid – tailored to your vape device and your taste. Mixing ratios and their suitability 50/50 VG/PG: Ideal for pod systems, MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapes and coils from around 1.0 ohms. Good throat hit, clear flavour, moderate vapour. 60/40 or 70/30 VG/PG: All-rounder for sub-ohm vapes between 0.2 and 0.8 ohms. More vapour, smoother draw. 80/20 or Max VG: For cloud chasers with power outputs from 60 watts. Very dense vapour, but less throat hit and slower draw. Typical use cases A pod user requiring 20 mg nicotine salt usually chooses a 50/50 base. A sub-ohm vaper with an 80-watt setup opts for 70/30 or higher. Anyone filling a shortfill with 50 ml of flavoured e-liquid often uses two 10-ml nicotine shots at 18 mg/ml to achieve 3 mg/ml in the final 60-ml volume – the shots are also base-based.

Liquids & Aromen

Liquid Base: Mixing VG, PG and nicotine correctly

Liquid base guide: VG/PG ratio, nicotine shots and mixing explained. What to look out for when buying a base in Switzerland - discover all bases now.

A base is the neutral base liquid from which your finished e-liquid is created, together with flavourings and, optionally, nicotine shots. By mixing your own e-liquid, you save money, have precise control over the composition, and can tailor the vapour production, flavour and throat hit to your personal preference. In everyday DIY vaping, the base is the most important variable: it determines vapour production, sweetness delivery and how harsh the draw feels. In this guide, you’ll learn what a base consists of, which mixing ratios suit which setups, and what to look out for when buying a base in Switzerland – including tips on storage and common pitfalls in DIY mixing.

A liquid base – often also referred to as base liquid or e-liquid base – is a nicotine-free, flavour-free carrier liquid for e-cigarettes. It consists of three possible components: vegetable glycerine (VG), propylene glycol (PG) and, optionally, distilled water or alcohol in small quantities. All ingredients are available in pharmaceutical or food-grade quality.

VG (vegetable glycerine) is viscous, slightly sweet and produces dense, voluminous vapour. PG (propylene glycol) is thin, tasteless and conveys flavours and the throat hit particularly well. The mixing ratio – traditionally specified as VG/PG base, such as 50/50 or 70/30 – determines the character of your e-liquid.

Important: A pure base contains neither nicotine nor flavourings. If you want to vape with nicotine, separate nicotine shots are added. This allows you to remain flexible and determine the strength yourself – typically 3 mg/ml, 6 mg/ml or 12 mg/ml in the final e-liquid. This principle forms the basis of the shake-and-vape and longfill concepts.

When mixing DIY, you combine the base, flavour concentrate and, optionally, a nicotine shot in an empty bottle. The end product is your finished e-liquid – tailored to your vape device and your taste.

Mixing ratios and their suitability

50/50 VG/PG: Ideal for pod systems, MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapes and coils from around 1.0 ohms. Good throat hit, clear flavour, moderate vapour.
60/40 or 70/30 VG/PG: All-rounder for sub-ohm vapes between 0.2 and 0.8 ohms. More vapour, smoother draw.
80/20 or Max VG: For cloud chasers with power outputs from 60 watts. Very dense vapour, but less throat hit and slower draw.

Typical use cases

A pod user requiring 20 mg nicotine salt usually chooses a 50/50 base. A sub-ohm vaper with an 80-watt setup opts for 70/30 or higher. Anyone filling a shortfill with 50 ml of flavoured e-liquid often uses two 10-ml nicotine shots at 18 mg/ml to achieve 3 mg/ml in the final 60-ml volume – the shots are also base-based.

The quality of the base determines how clean your e-liquid tastes and how your coil ages. Pay attention to these points:

Pharmaceutical purity: VG should be at least Ph.Eur. or USP grade, and PG likewise. Cheap industrial-grade products do not belong in a vaporiser.
Mixing ratio suitable for your setup: Check the ohm rating and wattage range of your vape before choosing a base. The wrong ratio leads to scorching or leaking.
Bottle size: 250 ml or 500 ml is sufficient for beginners. Those who mix large quantities should opt for 1-litre or 5-litre containers.
With or without nicotine: Pure nicotine-free bases offer more flexibility. You can add nicotine later using shots, allowing you to choose your preferred strength.
Shelf life and storage: Unopened, a base will keep for several years if stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, you should use it within 12–18 months.

Avoid common mistakes: too much VG with tight MTL coils (no vapour, coil burns out), pure PG base with a low ohm rating (too hot, too harsh) or mixing without a syringe or scales – accurate dosing is crucial for consistent flavour.

What is the difference between VG and PG in the base?

VG is vegetable glycerine, thick, slightly sweet and produces a lot of vapour. PG is propylene glycol, thin, flavour-enhancing and provides the throat hit. The ratio determines the amount of vapour and the draw sensation.

How much flavouring should I mix into the base?

Standard flavour concentrates are added to the base at a concentration of 5 to 15 per cent – the exact recommendation is stated on the flavour bottle. After mixing, a maturation period of a few hours to several weeks is required, depending on the type of flavour.

Can I buy a nicotine-free base and add nicotine later?

Yes, that’s the most common option. You buy a nicotine-free base and add nicotine shots separately. This way, you remain flexible regarding strength and total quantity.

How long does an opened base last?

When stored in a cool, dark place and tightly sealed, an opened base remains stable for around 12 to 18 months. A yellowish discolouration is normal in nicotine-containing bases, but undesirable in pure VG/PG bases.

A liquid base is the foundation of every DIY vaping experience – and choosing the right VG/PG ratio determines the flavour, vapour production and coil lifespan. With the right base, pure flavours and optional nicotine shots, you can build your liquid exactly as you wish. Browse our selection of nicotine-free bases, compare the mixing ratios and add suitable nicotine shots or flavour concentrates as required for your next setup. For adults aged 18 and over only.