What is E-Liquid? A Beginner's Guide to Vape Juice

If you're new to vaping, "e-liquid" is perhaps the most important term to understand, since vape juice is the key that unlocks the whole experience. This simple guide breaks down what it's made of, what the different types are, and how to choose the right one for your vape kit.

Welcome to the world of vaping. If you're just getting started, "e-liquid" (also known as "vape juice" or "vape liquid") is the first and most important term you'll need to know. In simple terms, e-liquid is the fluid that a vape kit heats up and vaporises to create the inhalable vapour.

It's the core component of your entire experience, responsible for the flavour, the vapour (or "clouds"), and for delivering nicotine, if you choose to use it.

The terminology can seem confusing at first. You'll see terms like "PG," "VG," "50/50," "Shortfills," and "Nic Salts," and it's not immediately obvious what they mean or which one is right for you. This simple guide is here to cut through the noise, answer all those common questions, and help you confidently choose the perfect e-liquid for your specific vape kit. 

One of the most common questions from new vapers is, "What am I actually vaping?" Unlike the thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke, e-liquid is made from a very simple base. All e-liquids, from the most basic to the most complex, are made from just four core ingredients:

Propylene Glycol (PG): A food-grade, colourless liquid that acts as the primary carrier for flavour and nicotine.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A food-grade, thicker liquid that forms the base of the e-liquid and creates the visible vapour.

Food-Grade Flavourings: The same kind of flavourings used in food and drink production to create the taste.

Nicotine (Optional): This is always an optional ingredient. E-liquids come in a wide range of strengths, as well as 0mg (nicotine-free). 

When you buy a bottle of e-liquid, you will almost always see a "PG/VG ratio" listed, such as "50/50" or "70/30." Understanding this ratio is the true key to having a good, leak-free, and satisfying vaping experience. 

PG is a thin, colourless, and odourless liquid. It serves two main purposes in e-liquid:

- It's an excellent flavour carrier, meaning it holds and delivers the flavour taste very clearly.

- It provides the "throat hit," a sensation at the back of the throat that is very similar to the feeling of smoking. 

VG is a thicker, more viscous liquid with a slightly sweet taste. Its main purpose is to:

- Produce the vapour. A higher VG ratio will create much larger, denser "clouds."

- It provides a much smoother feeling on the throat, softening the "hit" from the PG. 

The ratio of PG to VG dictates the e-liquid's thickness (viscosity), and this is what determines which vape kit it's compatible with.

- AHigh-VG liquid (like 70% VG) is very thick. It's designed for big, powerful sub-ohm kits. If you put it in a small starter kit, the liquid is too thick for the coil to absorb, leading to a burnt taste.

A High-PG or 50/50 liquid is much thinner. It's designed for small, low-power starter kits. If you put it in a powerful sub-ohm kit, the liquid is too thin and will flood the coil, causing leaks.

The Golden Rule is simple: Match your e-liquid type to your vape kit. 

Now that you understand PG and VG, let's look at the main types of e-liquid you'll find for sale

What are they? An e-liquid with a perfectly balanced 50% PG and 50% VG ratio. This gives you the "best of both worlds": clear flavour and a noticeable throat hit (from the PG) plus a satisfying amount of vapour (from the VG).

What kit? These are designed exclusively for low-power Starter Vape Kits (like pod kits and vape pens).

Our Recommendation: This is the most popular choice for new vapers. Our Double Drip 50/50 E-Liquid collection is a perfect example, available in a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths. 

What are they? Nic Salts (or Nicotine Salts) are a special type of 50/50 e-liquid. They use a different form of nicotine ("nicotine salt" instead of "freebase nicotine") which provides a much smoother throat hit, even at high strengths like 10mg and 20mg.

What kit? Like 50/50s, these are only for low-power Starter Vape Kits.

Our Recommendation: These are the most popular e-liquids on the market for their smooth, fast satisfaction. You can explore our classic Double Drip Nic Salts and our new, vibrant Double Drip Bar Salts ranges. 

What are they? A High-VG e-liquid (e.g., 70% VG / 30% PG) is a thick e-liquid designed for smoothness and creating large clouds of vapour. They are usually sold in large 0mg (nicotine-free) bottles called Shortfills, which leave room for you to add a "nicotine shot" if you wish.

What kit? These are designed only for high-power, sub-ohm Vape Kits.

Our Recommendation: If you're a cloud-chaser, this is the e-liquid for you. Our Double Drip High-VG range is made for this style of vaping. 

This is another key question, and the answer is simple. Yes, e-liquid does have an "expiry" or "best before" date, which you'll find printed on the bottle.

Generally, e-liquid is very "shelf-stable" and has a lifespan of 1 to 2 years from the date of manufacture.

After this date, it is not "dangerous," but two things may happen: the flavour may begin to fade, and the nicotine strength (if present) may weaken. To get the best life from your e-liquid, simply store it in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard) away from direct sunlight. 

E-liquid may seem complex, but it's all very simple once you know the basics. It's a simple blend of four ingredients, and the only thing you really need to know is the Golden Rule: match your e-liquid's PG/VG ratio to your vape kit.

If you have a low-power starter kit, stick to 50/50s or Nic Salts. If you have a powerful sub-ohm kit, use High-VG liquids.

Now that you know the basics, you can explore our full Double Drip E-Liquid collection to find your perfect flavour. If you're still not sure where to start, our expert Customer Service Team is always here to help.