Whether you’re setting up a spooky Halloween scene, a party, or a theatrical production, fog machines add an incredible effect. But constantly buying commercial fog juice can get expensive. The good news? You can make your own DIY fog juice with just a few simple ingredients!
In this guide, I’ll show you the best DIY fog juice recipes, including options with and without glycerin, baby oil, and even baking soda.
What Is Fog Juice Made Of?
Fog juice is a liquid solution designed for fog machines. When heated, it produces a thick mist that creates the classic fog effect. The main fog juice ingredients are:
✔ Distilled Water – Prevents mineral buildup in your machine
✔ Glycerin or Baby Oil – Helps create dense fog
✔ Other Additives (optional) – For unique effects like scented fog or colored fog
Now, let’s explore different ways to make fog juice at home.
Best DIY Fog Juice Recipe (Classic Version)
This is the most popular and effective DIY fog juice recipe using glycerin.
Ingredients:
- 1 part vegetable glycerin (available at pharmacies or online)
- 3 parts distilled water
Instructions:
- Heat distilled water in a pot until warm (not boiling).
- Add glycerin and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a clean fog machine fluid tank.
This mixture creates a thick, white fog perfect for Halloween parties or stage effects.
📝 Pro Tip: Too much glycerin can create an oily residue—stick to the 1:3 ratio!
How to Make Fog Juice Without Glycerin
Don’t have glycerin for your fog machine? No problem! You can still create fog using alternative ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups distilled water
- 2 tablespoons baby oil
How to Make Fog Juice with Baby Oil:
- Heat the distilled water slightly.
- Stir in baby oil until fully mixed.
- Pour into your fog machine and test.
🔹 Why Baby Oil? It acts as a glycerin substitute and creates a smooth, white fog.
How to Make Fog with Baking Soda
If you don’t have a fog machine, you can still create a fog-like effect using baking soda and vinegar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- ½ cup vinegar
Instructions:
- Pour hot water into a bowl.
- Stir in baking soda until dissolved.
- Slowly add vinegar—this will create a bubbling fog effect!
🧪 Science Fact: This works because vinegar reacts with baking soda, creating carbon dioxide gas that mimics fog.
How to Make Scented Fog Juice
Want your fog to smell like lavender, cinnamon, or even candy? Here’s how:
How to Make Scented Fog Juice:
- Follow any DIY fog juice recipe above.
- Add a few drops of essential oils (lavender, citrus, peppermint, etc.).
- Mix well before using in your fog machine.
🌿 Pro Tip: Some essential oils can be too strong for machines—test with a small amount first.
DIY Fog Juice Recipe with Distilled Water
Distilled water is essential in homemade fog juice because tap water contains minerals that can clog your fog machine.
Basic Distilled Water Fog Juice Recipe:
- 3 parts distilled water
- 1 part glycerin or baby oil
Simply mix the two and pour into your fog machine!
Fog Juice DIY: What Works & What Doesn’t?
| Fog Juice Ingredient | Works? | Fog Density | Residue? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glycerin + Distilled Water | ✅ Yes | Thick | Low |
| Baby Oil + Distilled Water | ✅ Yes | Medium | Low |
| Baking Soda + Vinegar | ⚠️ Temporary | Light | No |
| Essential Oils | ✅ (For scent) | No Effect | No |
| Tap Water | ❌ No | May damage machine | High |
How to Make Fog Drinks (Bonus Trick!)
Want to create fog for cocktails? Use dry ice instead!
How to Make Fog Drinks:
- Drop a small piece of dry ice into a drink.
- The fog will last for a few minutes as the ice sublimates.
- Perfect for Halloween cocktails or spooky parties!
🍹 Warning: Never drink dry ice—wait until it fully dissolves before sipping!
Final Thoughts: DIY Fog Juice for Any Occasion
Now you know how to make homemade fog juice for fog machines, DIY effects, and even drinks!
Quick Recap:
✔ Best DIY Fog Juice Recipe? Glycerin + Distilled Water
✔ How to Make Fog Juice Without Glycerin? Use Baby Oil
✔ How to Make Fog with Baking Soda? Mix it with Vinegar
✔ Want Scented Fog? Add Essential Oils
Still have questions? Drop a comment below, and I’ll help you create the perfect DIY fog juice recipe!