How to steep your vape juice to improve its flavour？

The deeper you get into the world of vaping, the more tips and tricks you come across that can improve your vaping experience. If we told you that there was a method of storage similar to that used for wine, known as 'steeping', that could improve the flavour of your vape juice, you might think we were being pretentious! But don't be fooled by first impressions. Steeping is actually very easy to do and the results are clear to see. After all, if it makes your favourite e-liquids even more delicious, why not give it a try?

In this guide, MEMERS answers the question "What is steeping?" and gives you the tools to start steeping your vape juice today! Soon you'll be tasting bouquets like a consummate vape sommelier!

1. What is vaping?

As vaping is relatively new, many of the terms borrowed from the English lexicon take on a whole new meaning. Steeping is no exception.

Outside the context of vaping, it refers to soaking a solid in water to soften it or extract flavour, such as marinating meat or brewing tea. However, when we steep vape juice, what we are actually doing is "maturing" it.

Essentially, by steeping your e-liquid, you're letting it age to improve its flavour. Simple, right? There are several different ways to do this, which we will cover later in this guide. Basically, all you're doing is letting your vape juice sit. Time is the key factor here. By soaking your e-liquid, you're giving the ingredients (PG/VG, nicotine, flavours) the time they need to mix together, improving the overall quality and taste.

2. Why should I soak my e-liquid?

Steeping is probably a more appropriate method for DIY vape juice than for most commercial, pre-made e-liquids.

That's not to say that commercial vape juice doesn't benefit from a little steeping, but most e-liquid on the market is actually already steeped. That's because it's usually been sitting on a shop shelf for quite some time before it finds its way into your vape tank. However, since your freshly made, custom-made e-liquid hasn't had that privilege, a little steeping will probably improve its quality.

There's no question that a DIY that's been steeped will taste better than one that hasn't. That's because by steeping it, you've given the ingredients in your vape juice enough time to solidify, resulting in a smoother, more pronounced aroma and flavour. Also, some flavours of e-juice may contain trace amounts of alcohol, which will evaporate during the steeping process.

3. How do I steep my e-liquid?

This is because there are several methods to speed up the process, as well as the related methods of “breathing”, and “steathing”. Stay with us! We’re going to make all this as easy to understand as possible.

To steep your vape juice, simpy store your closed bottles in a cool, dark place, like a small container, a drawer, or a cupboard for an extended length of time. We also advise that you give your bottles a shake every so often, as this will help to expedite the process. Yes, steeping is really that straightforward!

4. How do I breathe my vape juice?

Don’t confuse breathing with steeping—it’s an entirely different ball game! To breathe your e-liquid, simply take the cap off the bottle and let it sit for several hours.

Vape juices containing alcohol will certainly benefit from a little breathing, but we think anything longer than 12 hours is ill-advised.

Although many dedicated mixologists attest that breathing can reduce the perfumey smell and taste from certain e-liquid flavours, some have reported it can also reduce the potency of flavour concentrates and nicotine. So, unlike with steeping, MEMERS would advise you to proceed cautiously!

5. How do I streath my e-liquid?

Yes, we know it’s a clumsy-sounding word, but when you know streathing is just a combination of steeping and breathing, it makes a lot more sense.

In order to streath your vape juice, begin by shaking your bottles, then run them under a warm tap (warm, not hot!). Take the caps off and place them in a cool, dark place for a couple of hours. Finally, put the caps back on and give them a good shake.

What happens when you heat your e-liquid up with warm water is that the VG (vegetable glycerine) becomes thinner, rendering it more similar to PG (propylene glycol). Theoretically, the thinner base allows flavour molecules to become more miscible (form a more homogenous mixture). When the VG gets back to room temperature it will return to its former viscosity, but your e-liquid flavours will be more pronounced.

6. How long does steeping take?

How long is a piece of string? We jest, but seriously, the amount of time steeping takes is highly dependent on what type of vape juice you’re steeping, along with your own subjective taste.

Steeping, despite its widely reported benefits, is not an exact science, but there are a couple of pointers that can help you settle on that goldilocks time.

Fruity flavours like our own Melo, need the least amount of steeping time—around 24-48 hours in order to achieve their peak flavour. Conversely, creamy dessert flavours like Rhubarb and Custard, as well as tobacco, tend to need a lot more steeping. We recommend that you steep these heavier flavours for at least two weeks, as they can become richer, darker and more intense.

Bear in mind that steeping is trial and error. All that truly matters is that it tastes good to you, so give your e-liquid a taste during the process to see if its reached a satisfactory flavour. If you want to take it one step further, you can even keep track of your experimentation by keeping notes. While most people like to steep their vape juice for around 2-3 weeks, some even do so for months! It’s totally up to you. Just take note that your e-liquid becoming darker is a good indication that it’s been steeping.

Like we said before, as opposed to DIY vape juice, most commercial e-liquids have probably already had a good steeping. But check to see if your bottle has a manufacturer date, or expiration date. Judging by this you can determine if it may need steeping or not. But remember, steeping is not going to help e-liquid that has passed its sell-by-date. Quite the opposite! For more information, check out our blog on how long vape juice lasts.

7. How do I speed up the steeping process?

Patience may be a virtue but, understandably, some vapers might not have the time to idle away weeks for that perfect flavour! Cue the steeping shortcuts.

It’s important to note that speed steeping is a controversial topic among vapers—some swear by it, while others assure that it’s no substitute for the aforementioned virtue. The internet is filled with speed steeping methods like using a microwave or electric dryer, but as it’s hard to control the temperature using such methods, we’ve only included what we believe to be the most viable options. So, for those pressed for time and willing to experiment, here’s a few methods you can try:

Bath

Depending on how much vape juice you’re steeping, fill a bowl, sink, or bathtub with warm water. Not so hot that it’s boiling, and not so cold that it’s room temperature—think warm but comfortable enough to put your hand in.Seal your bottles of vape juice in a plastic bag, then pop your bag of e-liquid in the water and let it work miracles!

Slow cooker

No, we’re not digressing into a recipe for lamb goulash. The low, consistent heat that slow cookers apply can also speed steep your e-juice. Fill up your slow cooker with water and set it to the lowest setting. Then, place your bag inside the slow cooker, occasionally giving it a shake. Voila, your vape juice is steeped.

Magnetic Stirrer

This method is especially good if you’re creating your own vape juice. Transfer your e-juice into a sufficiently large container, ideally a glass one. Then just place it on top of the magnetic stirrer. That’s it!

Ultrasonic Cleaner

You may not be familiar with this device, let alone own one! But if you do happen to have an ultrasonic cleaner for vape gear, it can also double up as a speed-steeper! Just fill it with warm water, sit back, and let the ultrasonic waves travel through your e-liquid, allowing the molecules to rapidly mix together.

Seed Steeping

Despite sounding frustratingly similar to the subject of this chapter, seed steeping is actually very simple. All you have to do is blend your already steeped juice with fresh, un-steeped vape juice. By doing so you have planted a steeping “seed”, which will help to expedite the process in the un-steeped e-liquid.

8. Can I steep my vape juice for too long?

Absolutely. E-liquid that has been over-steeped is in danger of losing its flavour, and can even end up becoming harsh on your throat.

Of course, it all depends on what ingredients the vape juice contains, and often there’s no way to know until a perfectly good bottle is kaput!

What’s more, nicotine oxidizes over time, and may contribute an unpleasant flavour to your e-liquid. However, this is more likely to happen when your vape juice isn’t stored correctly. If you keep an eye on the sell-by-date, stick to the storing guidelines, and are aware of how long your vape juice will last, you’ll be totally fine!

Just ensure you don’t take steeping to an extreme, and always periodically check the e-juice you’re steeping. If it ticks all your sensory boxes, fill up and get vaping!