Navigating the world of vaping can sometimes feel like learning a new language. Terms like "sub-ohm," "coils," and "VG/PG ratios" are common, but few concepts cause as much confusion for beginners as the relationship between shortfills and nic shots. If you have ever walked into a vape shop and wondered why the large bottles of e-liquid contain zero nicotine, you have encountered a regulatory quirk that has sparked a unique innovation: the shortfill.
For vapers looking to carry more liquid, save money, and customize their experience, understanding how to mix these components is essential. This guide will break down exactly what these products are, how to mix them safely, and the best hardware to enjoy your custom blends.
What Is a Shortfill E Liquid?
A shortfill e liquid is a larger bottle of vape juice that is not filled to the very top—hence the name "short fill." These bottles typically contain 50ml, 100ml, or even 200ml of e-liquid. However, there is a catch: under current Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) regulations in the UK and Europe, nicotine-containing e-liquids cannot be sold in bottles larger than 10ml.
To get around this limitation while still offering vapers the convenience of buying in bulk, manufacturers sell these large bottles with 0mg nicotine strength. The manufacturer deliberately leaves "headroom" or empty space at the top of the bottle. For example, a 60ml bottle will contain 50ml of e-liquid, leaving exactly 10ml of space for you to add your own nicotine.
What Are Nic Shots?
This is where nic shots come into play. A nic shot (short for nicotine shot) is a 10ml bottle of flavorless e-liquid containing a high concentration of nicotine—usually 18mg or 20mg. They are not designed to be vaped on their own because the nicotine hit would be too harsh and flavorless. Instead, they are intended to be poured into your shortfill bottle to create a complete, nicotine-containing e-liquid.
Nicotine shots usually come in different VG/PG ratios, but High VG (typically 100% VG or 70% VG) is the most common, as they are designed to blend seamlessly with the thick, cloud-producing liquids found in shortfills.
How to Mix Nicotine Shots with Shortfills
Mixing might sound complicated, but the industry has standardized the sizes to make the math incredibly simple. The goal for most shortfill users is to achieve a nicotine strength of 3mg, which is the "sweet spot" for the direct-to-lung or restricted-direct-to-lung vaping styles these liquids are often used for.
Here is the standard mixing formula:
- For a 50ml Shortfill: You have 50ml of juice in a 60ml bottle. If you add one 10ml nic shot (18mg strength), you will end up with 60ml of e-liquid at 3mg nicotine strength.
- For a 100ml Shortfill: You have 100ml of juice in a 120ml bottle. If you add two 10ml nic shots (18mg strength), you will end up with 120ml of e-liquid at 3mg nicotine strength.
Step-by-Step Mixing Guide
Open the Bottle: Remove the cap from your shortfill bottle. You will notice a nozzle or nib that needs to be pried open. Many vapers use a dedicated bottle opener tool, but a fingernail or flathead screwdriver (used carefully) works too.
Pour the Shot: Open your nicotine shots and pour the contents into the shortfill bottle. Squeeze until the 10ml bottle is empty.
Seal and Shake: Pop the nozzle back onto the shortfill bottle firmly—ensure it clicks into place so it doesn't leak. Screw the lid back on and shake the bottle vigorously for at least 60 seconds. This ensures the nicotine blends evenly with the flavor.
Settle: Let the liquid sit for a few minutes to let the air bubbles settle.
The Perfect Shortfill Companion: Vaporesso ECO NANO PLUS
Traditionally, buying large bottles of shortfill e-liquid meant you had to carry around a large, bulky box mod to vape it. Pod systems were often dismissed because their tiny 2ml capacity meant you had to refill them constantly, which defeats the purpose of buying "bulk" liquid.
However, the VAPORESSO ECO NANO PLUS has completely solved this problem, making it arguably the best pod system for shortfill users.
Why ECO NANO PLUS Wins for Shortfill Users
Massive 10ml Pod Capacity: This is the game-changer. The ECO NANO PLUS features a pod that holds a staggering 10ml of e-liquid. This is equivalent to an entire standard bottle of nicotine salt or nic shot. For shortfill users, this means you can fill the pod once and likely vape for days without needing to carry your large 60ml or 120ml bottle with you.
Less Hassle, More Puffs: The device is designed to be the ultimate "fill and go" system. With the 10ml capacity combined with a robust 1400mAh battery, it eliminates the anxiety of running out of power or liquid mid-day.
Optimized for Flavor: Shortfills are all about flavor, and the ECO NANO PLUS uses the new 0.6Ω LUSH MESH POD with COREX Smooth Heating Tech. This structure is perfectly suited to handle the viscosity of mixed shortfills, delivering rich, consistent flavor and extending the pod's lifespan significantly.
Compact Yet Powerful: Despite holding as much liquid as a small tank, the device remains incredibly slim and pocket-friendly. It offers the capacity of a big mod with the portability of a pod.
Conclusion
Understanding nic shots and shortfills unlocks a new level of freedom in your vaping journey. It allows you to carry more liquid, reduce plastic waste, and access a wider variety of flavors.
When you pair your custom-mixed e-liquids with a high-capacity device like the VAPORESSO ECO NANO PLUS, you truly get the best of both worlds: the convenience of a pod system with the massive liquid capacity usually reserved for advanced tanks. Just remember to shake your mixture well, fill up that huge 10ml pod, and enjoy the ride.
