What Nic Shot Do I Need? Shortfill Mixing Guide UK
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Time to read 4 min
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In This Guide
What Nic Shot Do I Need? A Simple Guide to Mixing Shortfills
Mixing your own e-liquid sounds like a chore, but it is actually very simple. Under UK rules, nicotine e-liquid can only be sold in bottles of up to 10ml, so larger bottles, known as shortfills, are sold without nicotine. To add nicotine, you pour in a 10ml nicotine booster, called a nic shot.
If you are new to this and wondering what nic shot do I need, don't panic. It is less about chemistry and more about following a simple recipe.
3mgThe usual target
18mgStandard nic shot
10mlPer shot
60 secShake time
What Nic Shot Do I Need? The Simple Answer
Most sub-ohm vapers aim for a final strength of 3mg. Here is how to get there:
| Shortfill size | Nic shots to add | Final bottle | Final strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50ml | 1 x 18mg | 60ml | 3mg |
| 100ml | 2 x 18mg | 120ml | 3mg |
| 100ml | 1 x 18mg | 110ml | Around 1.6mg |
It really is that simple
For most people, the answer to what nic shot do I need is one 18mg shot for every 50ml of shortfill. If your shots are 20mg, you will end up at roughly 3.3mg instead.
Freebase or Salt Nic Shots?
Nic shots come in two styles. Freebase shots give a throat hit similar to a cigarette. Nic salt shots feel much smoother. Most people using sub-ohm kits are happy with 3mg freebase, but if it feels too harsh on your throat, switching to a salt shot gives you a silkier vape at the same strength.
Freebase shot
A classic throat hit. The most popular choice for sub-ohm vaping.
Salt shot
Smoother on the throat. Ideal if freebase feels harsh.
How to Mix Like a Pro
Once you know what nic shot do I need, mixing takes less than a minute. You don't need any special equipment, just your bottles and a bit of arm strength. Always add the full 10ml shot so you get the right final strength.
1
Remove the nib
Open the shortfill cap and pop off the nozzle at the top of the bottle.
2
Add the shot
Squeeze the whole nic shot into the shortfill, then put the nozzle and cap back on.
3
Shake it well
Shake hard for at least 60 seconds so the nicotine mixes in evenly.
Why shaking matters
If the nicotine is not fully mixed, you can get hot spots that taste peppery. After shaking, leave the bottle for a few minutes so any air bubbles can settle, then enjoy.
VG/PG Ratios After Mixing
The thickness of your e-liquid, its VG/PG ratio, matters for your device. The ratio of your nic shot slightly changes the final mix, so it is worth checking as part of deciding what nic shot do I need. This table shows the result of adding two 10ml shots to a 100ml shortfill. The results are the same when you add one shot to a 50ml shortfill.
| Shortfill ratio (VG/PG) | Nic shot ratio | Final ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 70/30 | 50/50 | 67/33 |
| 70/30 | 70/30 | 70/30 |
| 70/30 | 80/20 | 72/28 |
| 50/50 | 50/50 | 50/50 |
| 50/50 | 70/30 | 53/47 |
| 50/50 | 80/20 | 55/45 |
| 80/20 | 50/50 | 75/25 |
| 80/20 | 70/30 | 78/22 |
| 80/20 | 80/20 | 80/20 |
Top tip
Want your shortfill to stay exactly the ratio on the label? Choose a nic shot with the same ratio as your shortfill.
Is 3mg the Right Strength for You?
3mg is the most popular choice for sub-ohm vaping, but it is not the only option. When you are working out what nic shot do I need, think about how much nicotine you actually want:
0mg
Leave the shortfill as it is. Great if you enjoy the flavour and clouds without nicotine.
Around 1.6mg
Add one 18mg shot to a 100ml shortfill for a lighter vape.
3mg
One shot per 50ml. The sweet spot for most sub-ohm vapers.
Higher strengths
For more nicotine, switch to 10ml ready-mixed e-liquids or nic salts in a pod kit.
If you are moving to a big sub-ohm kit from a pod kit with 20mg nic salts, 3mg can feel surprisingly satisfying, because you take in much more vapour with every puff. Give it a few days before deciding it is too weak.
Safety and Storage
Nic shots are small, but they contain concentrated nicotine, so a little care goes a long way.
Handle nic shots safely
- ✓Keep nic shots and mixed e-liquid out of reach of children and pets
- ✓Wash your hands if you spill any on your skin
- ✓Store bottles somewhere cool and dark, away from direct sunlight
- ✓Write the strength on the bottle once mixed, so you never mix up your bottles
Important
Nicotine is toxic if swallowed. If a child or pet swallows any e-liquid, seek medical advice straight away.
Common Beginner Questions
Can I use more than two nic shots?
Usually not. Shortfill bottles only have enough space for one or two shots, and adding more would overfill the bottle and dilute the flavour. If you want a higher strength, such as 12mg or 20mg, choose 10ml ready-mixed e-liquids instead.
Why is my e-liquid cloudy after mixing?
It is just tiny air bubbles from shaking. Leave the bottle to stand for a few minutes and it will clear.
What strength will I end up with?
One 18mg shot in a 50ml shortfill, or two 18mg shots in a 100ml shortfill, gives you 3mg. If your shots are 20mg, you will end up with roughly 3.3mg.
Should I choose a freebase or nic salt shot?
Freebase shots give a more noticeable throat hit, similar to a cigarette. Nic salt shots feel smoother. If 3mg freebase feels harsh in your sub-ohm kit, try a salt shot instead.
Summing Up
So, what nic shot do I need? For most people, it is one 18mg shot per 50ml of shortfill for a smooth 3mg vape. Pick freebase or salt to suit your throat, match the ratio to your device and shake it well. Take a second to check your bottle sizes before you pour, and you will be mixing like a pro.
