How does Koolada work in e-liquid?

Koolada is added to the e-liquid as a flavouring, just like a standard flavour concentrate. The cooling effect occurs when vaped in the mouth and throat and intensifies with a deep draw. This makes the additive particularly interesting for summer recipes, fresh fruit flavours and soft drink recreations. Typical applications Fruit e-liquids: watermelon, berries and citrus fruits gain a noticeable boost in freshness. Lemonades & soft drinks: Cola, iced tea or lemon-lime taste ‘ice-cold’. Menthol softening: Combined with a small amount of menthol, it creates a smoother, less sharp kick. Desserts & Bakery: Used sparingly as an ‘ice cream’ component. Difference from menthol Menthol has a distinct minty taste and quickly dominates the recipe. Koolada, on the other hand, has no taste of its own. If you want an ‘ice’ effect without the liquid tasting like chewing gum, opt for the cooling effect liquid with WS-3. Both variants can also be combined.

Liquids & Aromen

Koolada - Cooling additive WS-3 for e-liquids explained

Koolada is a cooling additive (WS-3) for a noticeable cooling effect in the liquid. Find out everything about the effect, dosage and combination when mixing it yourself.

Koolada provides a refreshing cooling effect in your e-liquid without the need for menthol or mint. This colourless additive gives your DIY e-liquid a cool sensation in the mouth – similar to a sip of cold water, but without any flavour of its own. Koolada works much better than classic menthol, particularly with fruit flavours, lemonade or dessert recipes, because it doesn’t overpower the flavours. Below, you’ll find out how the cooling additive works technically, how to dose it correctly and what to look out for when buying it, so that your DIY e-liquid cools cleanly without becoming harsh or ruining the flavour.

Koolada is the common brand name for a Koolada flavouring based on the active ingredient WS-3 (less commonly WS-23). These are synthetic cooling agents from the group of carboxylic acid amides, which trigger a cooling sensation on the tongue and in the throat – without, however, introducing any taste of their own or a menthol-like note.

Unlike menthol, which always tastes of mint, Koolada works purely physiologically: the molecules activate the cold receptors (TRPM8) in the nerve cells, much like menthol, but are tasteless. This means your flavour profile – whether strawberry, mango or cola – remains unchanged, but is enhanced with a cooling element.

In shops, you’ll usually find Koolada as a PG-based additive in 10 ml or 30 ml bottles. The concentration of WS-3 is typically 10%. There are also WS-23 variants, which provide a more intense cooling effect but feel subjectively ‘sharper’.

Koolada is added to the e-liquid as a flavouring, just like a standard flavour concentrate. The cooling effect occurs when vaped in the mouth and throat and intensifies with a deep draw. This makes the additive particularly interesting for summer recipes, fresh fruit flavours and soft drink recreations.

Typical applications

Fruit e-liquids: watermelon, berries and citrus fruits gain a noticeable boost in freshness.
Lemonades & soft drinks: Cola, iced tea or lemon-lime taste ‘ice-cold’.
Menthol softening: Combined with a small amount of menthol, it creates a smoother, less sharp kick.
Desserts & Bakery: Used sparingly as an ‘ice cream’ component.

Difference from menthol

Menthol has a distinct minty taste and quickly dominates the recipe. Koolada, on the other hand, has no taste of its own. If you want an ‘ice’ effect without the liquid tasting like chewing gum, opt for the cooling effect liquid with WS-3. Both variants can also be combined.

Cooling additives are stronger than many beginners realise. A few drops too many and the liquid will cause an unpleasant cooling sensation in the throat or feel numbing. These points will help you with selection and dosage:

Start with a low dosage: With WS-3 (10%), a 1–3% mix is standard. Start with 1% and work your way up.
Check the concentration: WS-23 variants are significantly more intense – here, 0.5–1.5% is often sufficient.
Allow for maturation time: Give the finished liquid at least 24–48 hours before making your final assessment. The cooling effect may settle slightly.
Note the VG/PG base: Koolada is usually dissolved in PG. In high-VG recipes, the mixing ratio remains stable nonetheless.
Do not vape undiluted: The cooling additive is a concentrate and must only be added to a finished e-liquid in diluted form.
Test for flavour fidelity: Some flavours lose their sweetness or fruitiness if the Koolada dose is too high.

Koolada is intended exclusively for adults aged 18 and over who mix their own e-liquids or wish to enhance ready-made flavours.

Does Koolada taste of menthol?

No. Koolada with WS-3 is flavourless and only produces a cooling sensation. If you want a minty note, add menthol flavouring or a Mentha arvensis concentrate.

How much Koolada should I add to the e-liquid?

For WS-3 (10%), 1–3% of the total volume is a good guideline. For 50 ml of e-liquid, that would be 0.5–1.5 ml. Start with the lower dose and adjust after steeping.

Is Koolada dangerous?

When dosed correctly, WS-3 is considered well tolerated under vaping conditions. High overdoses can lead to an unpleasant cold sensation, a dry cough or numb lips – less is definitely more here.

Can I combine Koolada with nicotine shots?

Yes. First mix the base, flavouring and Koolada, then add the nicotine shot. The order is up to you, as long as the final concentrations are correct.

Koolada is the flavour-neutral shortcut to a fresh, cool sensation in the mouth – ideal for anyone looking to enhance their summer and fruit recipes without using menthol. Careful dosing, sufficient steeping time and suitable base flavours are key. In our selection of flavour concentrates, you’ll find Koolada variants and other additives for mixing yourself – take your time to browse and create your own signature e-liquid.