What Is Throat Hit and How Does E-Liquid Impact It?

Ever taken a puff from your vape and felt that little “kick” at the back of your throat? That’s what vapers call a throat hit, and for a lot of people, especially those who used to smoke, it’s what makes vaping feel just right. But what actually is a throat hit? And how does your e-liquid play a role in making it stronger or smoother? Let’s keep it simple.

A throat hit is the sensation you feel when the vapour hits the back of your throat. It can be sharp and punchy, like a cigarette, or soft and mellow, depending on a few things like the type of vape juice, nicotine level, and your device. Some people want that strong hit to mimic smoking, while others go for a smoother feel that’s easier to enjoy throughout the day.

It’s not about hurting your throat, it’s more about that little “bite” that tells you your vape is doing its job. Are you looking to find your perfect throat hit? Greet Vape has a great selection of e-liquids made for all kinds of preferences, whether you want a bold kick or a silky-smooth draw.

Several factors shape the throat hit, but e-liquid plays a major role. The ingredients, ratios, and nicotine type in your juice can all affect how strong or smooth the sensation feels.

This is the biggest player. The higher the nicotine level in your e-liquid, the stronger the throat hits.

• Low nicotine (3–6 mg/ml) delivers a subtle hit, great for sub-ohm vaping and casual use.
• Medium strength (10–12 mg/ml) gives a noticeable kick without overwhelming the throat.
• High strength (18–20 mg/ml or more) packs a punch and is ideal for heavy smokers transitioning to vaping.

If your vape feels too harsh or too light, your nicotine strength might need adjusting through e-liquid calculator.

Not all nicotine feels the same. Your choice between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts makes a big difference:

• Freebase nicotine is harsher at higher levels. It gives that sharp, classic throat hit smokers often crave.
• Nicotine salts are smoother, even at high strengths, making them perfect for those who want more nicotine without the rough feel.

So, if you want a smooth experience but need a stronger hit, salts may be your best bet in 50ml and 100ml size.

Believe it or not, your e-liquid flavour also plays an essential role in how your vape hits your throat.

• Menthol, citrus, and spicy flavours (like cinnamon or peppermint) give a cooler, sharper hit that adds a little extra zing to your inhale. It includes:
• Menthol Ice
• Apple Cucumber Mint
• Sweet Leaf
• Lemon Mint
• Fresh Leaf
• Creamy dessert flavours, custards, and fruity blends tend to offer a smoother, softer vape, perfect for when you want something light and easy. It includes:
• Apple Mango
• Strawberry & Pink Apple
• Apricot Orange
• Fresh Melon
• Guava Banana

If your throat feels too strong or not strong enough, try switching up your flavour profile. It might be all you need to find that perfect vape feel with this beginner guide.

While this guide is mostly about e-liquid, your vape device and coil settings can also make a big difference to how strong or smooth your throat hit feels.

• Tighter-draw devices, like pod kits or MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapes, naturally create a stronger, sharper hit, especially when paired with high-nicotine or nicotine salt e-liquids. These setups are great if you're after that classic cigarette-like feel.
• On the other hand, sub-ohm vape kits — which are designed for big vapour clouds and direct-lung (DL) inhales — tend to produce a smoother, softer throat feel. But if you turn up the wattage and use high-VG, low-nicotine juices, you can still get a decent kick.

Always match your e-liquid type with your vape kit. Using the right combo ensures you get the best flavour, vapour, and throat hit — no matter how you like to vape.

Absolutely. Here are some quick tweaks you can try:

• Too harsh? Switch to a lower nicotine strength, try salt nic, or increase the VG ratio.
• Too soft? Bump up the nicotine level slightly, choose a higher-PG blend, or go for sharper flavours like menthol or citrus.
• Still not right? Try different coils or wattage settings to bring the sensation into your sweet spot.

Throat hit is more than just a feeling; it’s a key part of the vaping experience, especially for those making the switch from smoking. By understanding how nicotine type, strength, VG/PG ratio, and flavour choice shape your hit, you can fine-tune your vape to suit your exact preferences.

Everyone’s idea of the “perfect hit” is different, and that’s the beauty of vaping. With a bit of trial and error, you'll find the right balance that makes every puff satisfying.