Nicotine Guide
Everything you need to know about nicotine shots and shortfills — how they work, how to use them, and how to stay safe.
What are nicotine shots?
Nicotine shots — often called “nic shots” — are 10ml bottles of high-strength, unflavoured nicotine e-liquid, typically available at 18mg/ml. They are designed to be added to larger, nicotine-free e-liquid bottles known as shortfills.
Shortfills let you customise your nicotine strength to suit your preference. They’re also a cost-effective solution for vapers who want larger e-liquid volumes — since UK TPD regulations limit pre-mixed nicotine e-liquids to a maximum of 10ml per bottle, shortfills must be supplied with zero nicotine and mixed by the customer.
Why shortfills exist
The EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) limits pre-mixed nicotine e-liquids to 10ml. Shortfills get around this by selling large bottles of zero-nic liquid, which you then mix yourself.
How Do Shortfills and Nicotine Shots Work?
Shortfills are intentionally underfilled to leave room for nic shots. The two most common sizes are 50ml and 100ml.
50ml Shortfill + 1 Nic Shot
Comes in a 60ml bottle with 10ml of space. Add one 18mg nic shot to create 60ml of e-liquid at 3mg/ml.
100ml Shortfill + 2 Nic Shots
Comes in a 120ml bottle with 20ml of space. Add two 18mg nic shots to create 120ml of e-liquid at 3mg/ml.
How to use nicotine shots with shortfills
Open the shortfill bottle
Remove the nozzle or cap from your shortfill e-liquid bottle.
Add your nicotine shot(s)
Pour in one nic shot for a 50ml shortfill, or two nic shots for a 100ml shortfill.
Shake vigorously
Shake the bottle for at least one minute to ensure the nicotine blends evenly with the e-liquid.
Steep if recommended
Allow the mixture to steep if the manufacturer recommends it — this can enhance the flavour of your e-liquid.
Nicotine strength at a glance
Use this table to find the right number of nic shots for your shortfill size.
| Shortfill Size | Bottle Capacity | Nic Shots Needed | Final Strength | Final Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50ml | 60ml bottle | 1 × 18mg shot | 3mg/ml | 60ml |
| 100ml | 120ml bottle | 2 × 18mg shots | 3mg/ml | 120ml |
Safety warnings & precautions
Nicotine is a toxic substance. Please read and follow all safety guidance before handling nicotine shots.
18+ Only — Not for sale to minors
Nicotine shots and shortfills are age-restricted products. They must not be purchased or used by anyone under the age of 18.
Eye & Skin Contact
Avoid contact with eyes and skin. If contact occurs, flush immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Do Not Ingest
Nicotine shots must not be swallowed. If ingested, seek immediate medical attention. Keep away from children and pets at all times.
Health Conditions
Not recommended if you are pregnant, have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or are taking antidepressants. Consult your doctor if unsure.
Storage
Store nicotine shots in a cool, dark place out of reach of children. Do not use past the expiry date printed on the bottle.
Ready to mix your own?
Browse our full range of nicotine shots — available in 18mg 70VG, 50VG, 100VG, and salt formulations. From £1.00 per shot.
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