DIY Halo Purity Sub Zero clone ejuice recipe

#1 by stevebayens, Jan 6. 2015, 19:56

Hi mate, i'm a big fan of the halo sub zero and as u mention it, its expensive to vape.
How do i make the first part of your recipe ?
The diy menthol... how do u make this part ?
please comment
Steve

#2 by stevebayens, Jan 6. 2015, 20:05

thanks man! i will try for sure! do you get the same ice hit in your throat from this one ?

#3 by jdizzle, Jan 6. 2015, 20:06

I get standard menthol crystals ( Can be bought in pharmacy or health food shop but I bought 100 grams for 5 pounds on ebay)
I get a 100ml bottle and fill half way with crushed crystals
Then fill rest of bottle will PG .
I then put bottle in warm water for a few minutes then shake vigorously.
Repeat until crystals dissolved.

I recommend wearing some protective gloves as if you get this on hand and then rub eyes. Prepare to be in tears for several hours

#4 by jdizzle, Jan 6. 2015, 20:08

Yes, I love sub zero and have been obsessed for a long time in replicating the exact recipe.

#5 by stevebayens, Jan 6. 2015, 20:09

Thanks mate, looking now for horehound, u have any link to a shop who still sells that ? cant seem to find it on tpa

#6 by jdizzle, Jan 6. 2015, 20:12

I'm in uk I use chefsvapour.co.uk

#7 by domyz, Jan 15. 2015, 01:24

I tried the recipe tonight, will let it warm water steep a couple hours and I will give an update about how close I think it will be.

#8 by jdizzle, Jan 15. 2015, 01:30

Thanks, I would definitely appreciate the feedback. Hope your like. I like it fresh but went it starts to turn pink after one to 2 weeks it seems to blend the flavors together better.

#9 by domyz, Jan 15. 2015, 02:20

Smelling it, I think TPA peppermint is too high, as well as other mints. I compare it to authentic and the clone is more "minty". But it could be a steeping issue. Will update mate.

#10 by nslookvp, Jan 15. 2015, 02:24

Hi jdizzle!
I'll try your recipe, subzero is a great e-liquid for mint flavours lovers :)

#11 by stevebayens, Jan 15. 2015, 19:33

mine is still steeping :)

#12 by stevebayens, Jan 15. 2015, 19:33

altho i mixed it at 50/50pg vg mine will need more flavoring

#13 by domyz, Jan 16. 2015, 03:34

Update: Halo recipes are usually simplier than that. I'll try some other variations in the weekend. I think there is no spearmint in Subzero. I'll also reduce Peppermint and Wintergreen to 0.3%, E.M to 1%. Horehound is spot on. Vanillin level will be easy to clone because we just have to compare final pink color. I'll reduce Koolada and add more Menthol. I think this will make it closer. To the next update...

#14 by domyz, Jan 16. 2015, 03:36

Update: I will try TPA peppermint at higher levels. After smelling it, there is much more of this than wintergreen.
TPA peppermint, Horehound, Vanillin, and menthol should be really close. Okay now let's go back to the mixing table ! :)

#15 by stevebayens, Jan 16. 2015, 07:29

great work domyz

#16 by stevebayens, Jan 19. 2015, 11:51

Any updates guys ?

#17 by domyz, Jan 19. 2015, 19:05

Will update tonight, January 17th I made two variations of the recipe that I think will be closer; they're warm steeping now (router). From the first try I made, I'm pretty sure that 1,5% of EM in the subzero gives the mix a WAY too high cotton candy flavor (there maybe only sweetener and no EM). Also no spearmint/wintergreen because I cannot detect it in the original. I also learned from the original recipe that 3% vanillin is close to subzero because it turned to almost the same color after 6 days. I'll continue to work on the recipe and may adjust that a bit, but the color and vanillin smoothness seems on target.

I'm 75% sure that the mint taste in subzero is TPA peppermint and pure menthol (unlikely just a tiny little wintergreen/spearmint). Here the 2 variations that I will taste tonight:

Subzero #2:
DIY menthol 9%
Ethyl Maltol (10% PG) 0,8% (1 drop every 5ml)
Horehound (TPA) 3%
Koolada 10% (TPA) 4%
Peppermint (TPA) 0.6%
Sweetener (Sucralose) (TPA) 1%
Vallinin TPA 3%
* this recipe should be closer than my #1 which contained a lot of EM, spearmint and wintergreen.

Subzero #3:
DIY menthol 9%
Ethyl Maltol (10% PG) 0,8% (1 drop every 5ml)
Horehound (TPA) 3%
Koolada 10% (TPA) 4%
Sweetener (Sucralose) (TPA) 1%
Vallinin TPA 3%
* this recipe will tell me if removing TPA peppermint bring it closer, of further the original one. If TPA peppermint is not the right mint, I'll have to order some other mints (maybe FA peppermint)

#18 by stevebayens, Jan 22. 2015, 14:24

Any new updates on the mixing ?

#19 by domyz, Jan 22. 2015, 15:20

Yes, learned something. There is officialy no EM in halo. Even 1 drop of EM per 5ml taste cotton candy like hell in that mix. I might even reconsider my older recipes for switching from EM to Sweetener. IMO it goes well with dessert vapes, or RY4s but not with fruits or menthol. I made subzero #4 and #5 recipes yesterday. Vanillin at 3% is the color of halo's menthol ice. I think subzero has 4% vanillin because it's darker pink and vanillin is the key ingredient to smooth out these higher koolada and menthol concentration. Koolada (throat cold not mouth cold) was strong in the #2 and #3 so I reduced it in and raised Menthol in #4-#5 to shift the cold effect more on the tongue.
It's coming great I'm close guys. I'll post where I am when I come back home.

#20 by stevebayens, Jan 22. 2015, 16:14

Im doing a test aswell

10% diy menthol
3% horehound
4% koolada
1% peppermint
4.8% vanillin 10%
1% sweetner
0.2 % wintergreen

I have this steeping at the moment. will post back ^^ notice that i put the percentage of the EM into the vanillin. hope this gets the collor right and smooth the untouched koolada.
Notice= Its mixed on 6mg 50/50pvg vapebase.de mix

#21 by domyz, Jan 22. 2015, 16:21

It's very close to my #4 and #5 recipes. Honestly I don't think there is wintergreen but at 0,2% this particular flavor (15%avg mix) should not stand out. In my opinion koolada is too high but you will find it yourself: it will "cold hit" too much in the throat .
We'll get it mate!

#22 by stevebayens, Jan 22. 2015, 19:49

Domyz, just tried it. Untrasoon for 1hr on 60° and then let it in the hot water for 2 more hours. It tasted quite ok! not subzero yet but good. dont forget im vaping at another mix. 50/50 is more cloud. I like the cool hit in back of the mouth! quite amazed, we will get there. please continiue your good work!

#23 by domyz, Jan 22. 2015, 19:57

Is it too minty with TPA peppermint at 1% ?

Will try my 2 versions tonight and I hope it will be really close

#24 by stevebayens, Jan 22. 2015, 20:36

well i like supermint, its quite ok. very icy and fresh :) please post the exact recepy of #4 and #5 please. Btw, im from Brussels, belgium. where are u from ?
greetz!

#25 by stevebayens, Jan 22. 2015, 20:37

btw, the more im vaping from my mix, the more freshness in my mouth & troath together, so i'm guessing the koolada and higher vanillin doing a great job

#26 by stevebayens, Jan 24. 2015, 22:07

And bad news as today it tates like cotton candy... to much sweetner and vanillin... you have update aswel ? where you from btw?

#27 by domyz, Jan 24. 2015, 23:19

Don't put any Ethyl maltol in that. This messes the mix. Only use vanillin and sweetener.

Here is the current recipe, it's quite close to the real thing (I'd say 85% there is still some work to do).
I have 3 other variants steeping that I think will bring it even closer ;)
e-liquid-recipes.com/recipe/92253/Polar+breeze

#28 by domyz, Jan 31. 2015, 01:50

www.e-liquid-recipes.com/recipe/94871/Polar+breeze sorry the link was broken.

#29 by Ejuiceme, Feb 3. 2015, 04:56

What happened to the polar breeze recipe just bought all the stuff to make it and it disappeared?

#30 by Ejuiceme, Feb 3. 2015, 05:32

FOUND THIS ON ANOTHER SITE SOUNDS CLOSE

In 50VPG 6mg, to 10ml

50VPG basis 6mg 5.89 ml

mint cream: 10% or 1 ml or 20 drop (s)
Eucalyptus: 1% or 0.1 ml or 2 drop (s)
Peppermint: 2% or 0.2 ml or 4 drop (s)
peppermint: 1% or 0.1 ml or 2 drop (s)
tictac 12% or 1.2 ml or 24 drop (s)
extreme ice: 0.5% or 0.05 ml or 1 drop (s)
Menthol house: 5.5% or 10% or 0.55 ml or 11 drop (s)
jalapeno pepper 1% or 0.1 ml or 2 drop (s)
sweetener: 2% or 0.2 ml or 4 drop (s)
vanillin: 2% or 0.2 ml or 4 drop (s)
ethyl maltol: 2% or 0.2 ml or 4 drop (s)
Licorice: 2% or 0.2 ml or 4 drop (s)

Menthol house 5 grams of menthol crystals in one 10ml bottle, completed at PG
Note that I love the super strong menthol ... my colleagues at work can not vaper this mixture without needing the samu!

#31 by domyz, Feb 3. 2015, 12:24

Will put it back (polar breeze) look at my recipe book. Still waiting formenthol eucalyptus though

#32 by domyz, Feb 7. 2015, 17:27

No menthol eucalyptus. Was not a good idea;)
Will try clove in the next order

#33 by ADV_Hunter, Feb 18. 2015, 02:40

Any updates? I've ordered all the equipment and flavors to make my own juices (~$250), and was hoping you guys were coming up with a few more ideas or observations. Thanks.

#34 by domyz, Feb 18. 2015, 04:46

Yes i'm onto something with a experienced mixer. In a couple weeks I will get it right. For now, I can say that eucalyptus is there, but only a very little bit.
The other missing ingredient I was searching, I think I may be closing in on it. I can't tell you more for now.

#35 by ADV_Hunter, Feb 18. 2015, 06:55

Well I'll start with jdizzle's recipe just like he has it. I'm a little concerned about the cotton candy being a little strong for my taste. I also can't stand wintergreen, but I'm guessing that little of an amount won't be an issue.

#36 by domyz, Feb 18. 2015, 12:37

I would say dont waste your time, the recipe up there is far from subzero, and not good

#37 by ADV_Hunter, Feb 18. 2015, 12:57

That is kind of harsh

#38 by blu, Mar 26. 2015, 20:26

Hello Chef , i'm a a fan of the halo sub zero
How do i make the first part of your recipe ?
The DIY menthol... how do u make this part ?
please comment
David

#39 by stevebayens, Apr 9. 2015, 18:00

Hi domyz,
would like to hear from your progression.
the link is down?
please reply

thanks

Steve

#40 by Vikers, Jun 25. 2015, 18:43

Any updates?
I have ordered everything listed in the recipe.
Do i need other essences then those listed above?

#41 by stevebayens, Sep 3. 2015, 14:14

i am working on a version aswel.
I can tell you that Extreme ice from flavor west is defo in it...

#42 by domyz, Sep 3. 2015, 15:05

Vanillin is not there. It taste good alone, but as soon as there is vanillin and menthol in a recipe, a chemical reaction happens. This result in a "sucralose" bad chemical aftertaste. Even if you dilute them before.

No vanillin
And I don't think extreme ice is there

#43 by stevebayens, Sep 4. 2015, 09:35

i did it, and i am very close!
Make it, and you will see. It has the same herbal minty ice cold vape sensation as the original one.
The key is to use vanillin powder and not a deluded form.

10ml menthe extra glacial by aromes & liquides (france)
6.5ml Extreme Ice (additif by flavor wast)
1.9ml Menthol (additif from vapediem.fr)
5ml sweetener (TPA)
3ml koolada (TPA)
12 drops smooth (TPA)
1 knifepoint of Vanillin powder (additif from vapediem.fr)

Mix this in a 100ml bottle and top up with 70/30 PG/VG 6ml nic juice
Steep in hot water bad for 2 hours and have a try.. u will see its damn CLOSE !!!!!

#44 by stevebayens, Sep 4. 2015, 09:36

Note: i made a small batch first of 10 ml and its so good that i vaped it all ^^ thats why i used the 100ml varriant here for you all

#45 by stevebayens, Sep 17. 2015, 14:03

forget the 5ml sweetner.. max 0.7ml !!!

#46 by AdamT, Feb 5. 2016, 17:23

Do not heat steep mint flavors, they will degrade immediately.

#47 by evilpacket, Feb 19. 2016, 21:36

Anyone try this without vanillin, I placed an order and forgot to add this to my cart. Will vanilla custard v1 or v2 or any other vanilla substitute this, perhaps VB ice cream. Let me know thanks

#48 by domyz, Feb 22. 2016, 18:51

Ok, after close to a year of work, I have an update for everyone.
I'm still not 100% though. For now I won't give precise percentages but here is an idea:

Menthol (at TPA concentration: about 5-6%)
Koolada (at TPA concentration: around 1%)
Eucalyptus globulus pure essential oil (between 0.00125% and 0.00375% / yeah, it's that low. It's between 1 to 3 drop per 20ml: easier to dilute it in PG before mixing)
Ethyl Vanillin (10% powder 90% PG solution: Between 0.5% and 1%, this will have a major effect on sweeteness and smoothing effect)
Peppermint ( Flavourart 0.5%, or Capella 1.5%)

The PG/VG ratio seems to be around 80PG/20VG.
I will update the exact percentages as I work the recipe.

#49 by Canto81, Oct 2. 2016, 23:09

Hi Guys, i hope i'm not late to follow your discussion! I'd like to produce my own sub zero x strength menthol! does anyone know the final recepy ? ;) and a question for #stevebayens, where can i find all that flavours in France? tks

#50 by Blaire Leingod, Aug 16. 2017, 21:33

Im definitely too late then :( Guess im gonna have to try them all

#51 by domyz, Aug 16. 2017, 22:11

I do a mix of 1 koolada, 5% menthol, a uber low concentration of ethyl vanillin and uber-uber low concentration of eucalyptus. Let mature for the vanilla and eucalyptus taste to get out. (you should NOT taste them in a fresh mix = too high %).

Still did not have the time to define which "uber-low" concentration percentage are needed exactly because I stopped working on it.

#52 by domyz, Aug 16. 2017, 22:14

For the mixed mint aftertaste (not needed) follow me here: You could add a tiny bit of peppermint (0.2% FA equivalent or 1% CAP) and a tiny bit of TPA wintergreen (0.2%). That's the answer to subzero cleanness: super low concentrations, menthol is the main taste seconded by vanilla.

#53 by Blaire Leingod, Aug 17. 2017, 22:08

So your post #48 is the one you use? I'll give that a try.

#54 by Blaire Leingod, Aug 17. 2017, 22:22

@Domyz do you use any specific menthol concentrate? I cant seem to find TPA menthol.

#55 by domyz, Aug 18. 2017, 01:36

I order it on the perfumersapprentice website, I don't want to make my own so for concentration consistency I always use theirs.
https://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/p-7355-menthol-liquid-pg.aspx

#56 by domyz, Aug 18. 2017, 01:37

As for the post 48, vanilla concentration was too high... peppermint a little bit too high.

#57 by domyz, Aug 18. 2017, 01:39

1 drop per 20ml of eucalyptus essential oil was also way too high. I'd dilute it 10% if you wanna work with it gradually, drop per drop. But I don't use it as it's not that important in the recipe.

#58 by Blaire Leingod, Aug 21. 2017, 14:09

just got the ingredients just now. going to mix up a batch. thanks domyz ill give you an update soon

#59 by Escobar Liquid, Sep 7. 2017, 23:26

exact recipe

#60 by @omghax, Dec 12. 2017, 07:24

I just wanted to update, I recently had an urge and bought another Sub Zero bottle during the sales. After a few puffs I realized I really enjoyed having it around during the holidays, and figured I'd give a shot to see if I could recreate it.

I bought all the ingredients listed here, at least as far as the one's from TFA go (I prefer just ordering from them) and just by reading through the comments it seemed the recipes provided by @domyz were the closest so I started there. Figured I'd share/document my progress, I believe this is as close as I can get it's a bit hard seeing as the menthol disorients my senses for awhile.

Thanks!

Right now my recipe is at:

Sub Zero
6.00% Menthol (TFA)
1.50% Spearmint (TFA)
1.00% Sweetener (TFA)
1.00% Vanillin (TFA)
0.50% Koolada (TFA)
0.01% Eucalyptus (TFA)
0.00% Ethyl Vanillin (TFA)
0.00% Horehound (TFA)
0.00% Peppermint (TFA)

Notes:
Almost there with minimal amount of ingredients. Only experimented with 5ml bottles thus far, with an 80/20 PG/VG blend.

Could use more Menthol or possibly Koolada, 0.5% or 1%
* Added 1-2 more drops of Menthol seems about right, pretty strong though.

Spearmint needed?
* Spearmint was exactly what was missing, added 1-2 drops.

#61 by domyz, Dec 12. 2017, 07:55

Good job omghax. I tried countless variations of the recipe, but I finally came to realise that there is still a missing secret ingredient they use to get that aftertaste... No mint in my arsenal of like 30 different flavors can do that. So while we can get the cold feel + the sweetness + the smoothness of the original subzero, I think the aftertaste is still missing that secret ingredient/unknown essential oil/mint from an unknown source.

#62 by domyz, Dec 12. 2017, 08:00

And same for me, It's really hard to find that aftertaste because after like 5-10 testing puff on a new variation, menthol just freeze the mouth and you can't taste anything anymore.

I'm now doing a recipe with menthol+koolada+ethyl vanillin and this is the exact subzero feel / sweetness /without the aftertaste. I actually like it more than subzero because it's even cleaner

#63 by @omghax, Dec 12. 2017, 08:09

I 100% agree, I was wondering about the colour too I figured it was an ingredient I was missing but like you said I almost prefer this recipe to the original now because it tastes cleaner. I wasn't sure if the menthol was only effecting me and my taste buds, because I have similar issues when trying to recreate others; just get so adjusted to the same flavor can barely tell a difference.

I've been working on Halo's Menthol-V (formally Menthol-X) for awhile now but continue to struggle with a missing ingredient (similar to Tribeca and Sub Zero) but the recipes I've made I've came to enjoy more so it worked out in the end.

Anyway, thanks for all your help domyz I'm glad I was able to thank you in a more personal manner your comments helped tremendously. Do you have a place where you keep your recipes or notes? I noticed when looking for the "Polar Breeze" recipe there were none listed anymore, figured I'd ask ;)

Thanks

#64 by domyz, Dec 12. 2017, 08:34

Yeah the link is down for that one. I'm not a lot into recipes since a couple months. I will clean my recipe stash and put it public when I'll have time. Will update. Good luck and good vapes to you !!

BTW Tribeca is awesome (better than original) with 12% TPA RY4 Double and 1.5% Acetyl pyrazine :)

#65 by domyz, Dec 12. 2017, 08:36

Clean nic is a must for all recipe also ! I love the Vaperstek nic, it's insanely better than the other ones and let the flavors shine twice as much as any nic. I repeat it's a MUST, changed my DIY life

#66 by ADV_Hunter, Dec 12. 2017, 17:26

Can you describe the after taste? I guess I’m going to have to order a bottle. I gave up vaping anything with menthol. I was really interested in this recipe at first since I smoked menthols for many years.

#67 by domyz, Dec 12. 2017, 18:25

It's an herbal minty and somewhat bitter but pleasant aftertaste. Best way i could describe it.

#68 by K&k, Jun 27. 2020, 02:03

I did this with flavor west menthol and it came out pretty damn close. good job. Thanks man!