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
