When you start vaping as a beginner, the topic of nic shots and questions about shortfill e-liquid will eventually crop up. In fact, they are likely going to feature as part of your vaping arsenal. So, if you want to learn what a nic shot is and how to put it in e-juice, read on!
Firstly, what is a nic shot?
A nicotine shot, also known as a nicotine booster, is a 10ml bottle of nicotine mixed with PG and VG that can be added to nicotine-free e-liquid. When you blend a nic shot with your juice, it gives your e-liquid that all-important dose of nicotine.
Nic shots come in different strengths, such as 20mg, 18mg, 12mg, 6mg, and 3mg. These can be added to e-liquid shortfill bottles, which go up to 200ml.
What is a shortfill vape?
A shortfill is a name given to a large bottle of e-liquid. A shortfill bottle of e-liquid will provide enough room for you to add nicotine to your e-liquid, which is where the nic shot comes in. This mix of two components makes shortfills different from traditional vape juices that are pre-mixed.
What are the benefits of nic shots and shortfills?
In 2016, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) needed to ensure that products were safe for all vapers, meaning that liquids with nicotine could not be sold in bottles bigger than 10ml. Shortfill nicotine-free e-liquids were introduced to ensure vape suppliers could sell larger e-liquid bottles so people didn't have to carry around lots of small bottles to get their nicotine fix.
By putting your nicotine shots in one large bottle rather than multiple small ones, you will purchase and use less plastic in the long term, which is better for our environment.
Typically, using shortfills and nic shots are more cost-effective than purchasing multiple 10ml bottles, which is handy if you’re trying to save some extra cash.
If you vape large amounts of juice every day, you’ll know that refilling small 10ml bottles on the go can be frustrating. However, with one big bottle, you won’t have to refill your vape as frequently to get your nicotine fix!
With shortfill bottles and nic shots, you can control your nicotine level, which is ideal if you are trying to reduce your nicotine intake or don’t vape huge amounts.
How to use nic shots
Now that you know what a nic shot is, you need to know how to use nic shots safely for the best possible experience. So, how do nic shots work? Let’s find out!
How to add nic shots to e-liquid:
Step 1: You’ll need your nic shot and shortfill e-liquid ready to mix. Open the nic shot. Next, open the shortfill e-liquid bottle and remove the nozzle.
Step 2: Pour your preferred amount and strength of the nic shot into the shortfill bottle.
Step 3: Put the shortfill bottle nozzle back on. Seal the bottle shut before shaking the liquid to mix. Shaking the mixture is essential as it will mix the nicotine throughout the e-liquid evenly.
Step 4: When it comes to how long you have to leave a shortfill mixed with a nic shot, we recommend putting 1-48 hours aside, depending on the flavour. This will allow the e-liquid to mix well with the nicotine shot and create a stronger, more tempting taste. But if you don’t have that long to wait, many people will mix their nic shot in and, after a good shake, fill up their vape and enjoy!
Step 5: To ensure your shortfill retains strength, shake the bottle before every use. If you don’t shake it, the nicotine will settle at the bottom of the bottle. A nice shake guarantees a solid and flavoursome vape every time.
So, this is how you put a nic shot in juice. If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the full potential of nic shots in no time!
How do nic shots work regarding measurements?
As you may know, different nicotine strengths work for different people. Whilst heavy smokers may crave a lot of nicotine, some individuals may want to wean off this substance. Let’s break down nicotine strengths further.
Vaping Nic Shots on Their Own:
You may vape nic shots on their own if you prefer a completely flavourless e-juice.
- 0mg/ml
The 0mg/ml nicotine strength is ideal for vapers who have never smoked or want to cut nicotine out.
- 3mg/ml
This mild dose of nicotine typically works for individuals who used to smoke lightly or want to minimise their nicotine intake.
- 6mg/ml
This strength is preferred by moderate smokers who crave a regular nicotine fix.
- 12mg/ml
This heavier level of nicotine is good for heavy smokers trying to quit smoking through vaping.
- 18mg/ml
This offers a stronger throat hit and higher nicotine intake, making it ideal for heavy smokers who find that the 12mg doesn’t satisfy their cravings.
Mixing Nic Shots in Shortfills:
When mixing nic shots into shortfill bottles, you should change the approach in order to maintain the flavour of your e-liquid.
- 0mg/ml
You can choose to keep your shortfill nicotine-free, which is perfect for vapers who enjoy the flavours without nicotine.
- 3mg/ml
The 3mg/ml measurement is a popular choice for many vapers, offering a nice balance between nicotine intake and flavour.
- 6mg/ml
For those seeking a little bit more nicotine, you can add more nic shots for a 6mg/ml strength. This is usually the highest strength aimed for in shortfills. This is because adding more nic shots can dilute the flavour, resulting in a muted taste and compromising the overall vaping experience.
When it comes to doing the maths, if you mix a 50ml bottle with a 10ml bottle of nicotine with the standard 18mg strength, you get a 3mg strength shortfill, as you can see from the table below.
But if you choose a larger bottle, such as a 100ml, there is enough space for two nic shots so that you can put two in and receive the same 3mg strength.
Or, if you prefer a milder strength, you can put half a shot in a 5ml bottle, giving you a 1.5mg strength.
Some bottles have enough space for two nic shots, but if you don't have enough, you can decant some of your nicotine-free liquid until there is enough space to put two in.
|
Bottle size |
18mg nic shot (10ml) |
Result |
|
50ml |
One shot |
3mg in 60ml |
|
100ml |
Two shots |
3mg in 120ml |
|
200ml |
Four shots |
3mg in 240ml |
Can you use a nic shot on its own?
When it comes to using nic shots, we don’t recommend consuming them on their own. However, since the content is within TPD regulations, it is possible. For the most enjoyable experience, we advise you to mix your nic shots with e-liquid.
What are the different types of nic shots?
By selecting the right type of nic shot, you can customise your vaping experience to your preferences. Some types of nic shots include:
- 50:50 nic shots
50:50 nic shots have an equal ratio of PG and VG, offering a balanced throat hit and vapour production. This makes the versatile and suitable for a broad range of e-liquids.
- Max VG nic shots
We stock nic shots with a high VG content (typically around 70% or higher) for users who prefer smoother hits and larger vapour production – ideal for sub-ohm vaping!
- Salt nic shots
Developed with nic salts instead of freebase nicotine, salt nic shots provide a smoother throat hit at higher nicotine strengths. Perfect for heavy smokers, this type of shot allows for quicker nicotine absorption. Read our guide to nic salts to learn more about this type of nic shot.
- Ice nic shots
Ice nic shots offer a pleasant, icy sensation that can refresh your vaping experience in hot weather.
Where can I buy nic shots?
Now that you know what a nic shot is and how to add nic shots to e-liquid, you may be wondering where you can find your fix. Fortunately, we stock a variety of nic shots here at Vape Town, including our affordable flavourless nic shots.
When it comes to enjoying your shortfill, a nic shot can be a great way to add a little bit of nicotine to get your desired strength. If you go through a lot in the space of a day, it can help you and is also a cost-effective way to get the e-liquid you need in the right strength to enjoy it as you want.
Much like a fine wine, choosing the right level of e-liquid-to-nicotine ratio is going to make a massive difference to the quality of your vaping experience. All you need to do now is sit back, relax, and enjoy the clouds!
If you have any more questions about how to use nic shots and how they work, please feel free to contact us – a team member would love to help you out. For additional vaping insights, be sure to check out our blog.