Nicotine Shots

How Many Nicotine Shots Do I Need?

This is the question we get asked most, and the answer depends on three things: the size of your shortfill, the strength of your nic shot, and the final nicotine level you want.

The maths is straightforward once you see it laid out. The table below covers the most common combinations, using both 18mg and 20mg shot strengths.

Using 18mg nic shots:

• 50ml shortfill + 1 shot = 60ml at approximately 3mg
• 100ml shortfill + 2 shots = 120ml at approximately 3mg
• 200ml shortfill + 4 shots = 240ml at approximately 3mg

Using 20mg nic shots:

• 50ml shortfill + 1 shot = 60ml at approximately 3.3mg
• 100ml shortfill + 2 shots = 120ml at approximately 3.3mg
• 200ml shortfill + 4 shots = 240ml at approximately 3.3mg

Want a lower finished strength? Here’s how to get there:

• For approximately 1.5mg in a 50ml shortfill: add half a shot (or use a single 10mg shot if available)
• For approximately 2mg in a 100ml shortfill: add one 18mg shot
• For approximately 6mg in a 50ml shortfill: add two 18mg shots (note: this is close to the practical dilution ceiling for most shortfills)

A note on the ceiling: you can technically add more shots to push the nicotine level higher, but adding too much volume dilutes the flavour significantly. Six milligrams is about the maximum most vapers find workable in a standard shortfill without the taste suffering noticeably. If you need nicotine levels above 6mg regularly, you’re better served by pre-mixed 10ml bottles or switching to a MTL pod kit with a higher-strength e-liquid. Our shortfill guide covers this in more detail.

What VG/PG Ratio Nic Shot Should I Use?

Getting the VG/PG ratio right is something a lot of people skip over, and it’s the most common reason a shortfill vapes differently after mixing.

The principle is simple: match the ratio of the shot to the ratio of the shortfill as closely as possible.

Sub-ohm and high-VG shortfills are typically 70/30 VG/PG or higher. Adding a 50/50 shot introduces a significant amount of extra PG, which thins the liquid. The result is less vapour, weaker flavour density and a sharper throat hit. Use a 70/30 shot instead and the finished liquid stays consistent with what you bought.

MTL devices and lower-wattage kits use thinner liquids because tight coils and smaller wicking ports need PG to flow efficiently. A 50/50 shot suits these setups well.

If you’re not sure what your shortfill’s ratio is, check the label. Most UK shortfills state it clearly. For a full breakdown of what VG and PG actually do to your vape, see our guide on VG and PG explained.

Freebase Nic Shots vs Nic Salt Shots

The choice between freebase and nic salt shots comes down to your kit and how you want nicotine to feel.

Freebase nic shots use the traditional form of nicotine. At lower finished concentrations like 3mg, the throat hit is mild and suits most vapers. Push beyond 6mg with freebase and it starts to feel harsh, particularly in sub-ohm kits running at higher wattages.

Nic salt shots use a form of nicotine that absorbs faster and feels smoother at higher concentrations. They’re the better option if you’re mixing a shortfill to use in a pod kit or MTL device at 10mg or above.

One important caveat: nic salt shots used in high-power sub-ohm setups can feel uncomfortably intense. The faster absorption that makes salts smooth in a low-wattage pod becomes too much in a device running at 50W or more. If you’re using a sub-ohm kit, stick to freebase shots. If you’re on a pod kit or MTL device, nic salt shots are worth considering. Browse our nic salts range for compatible pre-mixed options if you’d rather skip the mixing step entirely.

How to Mix a Nicotine Shot Into a Shortfill

Mixing is quick, but there’s a right way to do it. Here’s the process we use every time:

1. Shake the shortfill first. Give the bottle a good shake before opening it. This ensures the flavour concentrate is evenly distributed before you add anything.
2. Add the nic shot. Open the shortfill, pour in the required number of shots, and replace the cap tightly.
3. Invert and roll, don’t shake vigorously. Turn the bottle upside down and roll it gently between your palms for around 30 seconds. Aggressive shaking introduces air bubbles that can affect how the liquid vapes immediately after mixing.
4. Leave it for 30 minutes. A short steep lets the nicotine integrate fully. The flavour will also settle back to where it should be after the slight dilution from the shot.
5. Taste test before topping up your tank. If the nicotine hit feels right and the flavour is where you want it, you’re good to go.

That’s the full process. If you’ve ever mixed a shortfill and thought the flavour tasted flat immediately after, skipping step four is usually the reason.

Will Adding a Nicotine Shot Change the Flavour?

Honestly, yes – a little. Adding any volume to a shortfill dilutes it slightly. A standard 50ml shortfill is formulated to fill 60ml once a 10ml shot is added, so the flavour is designed to account for that dilution. You should not notice a meaningful difference in taste when you mix correctly.

Problems arise when people add too many shots. Adding two shots to a 50ml shortfill to hit 6mg brings the total volume to 70ml in a 60ml bottle, which overfills it and over-dilutes the flavour. If you want a higher finished nicotine level without sacrificing taste, a higher-strength shot (20mg rather than 18mg) lets you reach a similar end result with slightly less volume added.

Matching the VG/PG ratio of the shot to the shortfill also helps. A 70/30 shot in a 70/30 shortfill keeps the liquid’s texture and cloud output consistent. Swap in a 50/50 shot and you’ll notice the vape feels thinner and the flavour less full.

Shop Nicotine Shots at Legion of Vapers

We stock a range of UK-compliant nicotine shots covering freebase and nic salt options, 18mg and 20mg strengths, and 50/50 and 70/30 VG/PG ratios. Everything we sell is sourced from trusted UK manufacturers and complies with TPD regulations. As an IBVTA member, we’re committed to maintaining the standards that matter – accurate labelling, correct nicotine limits and products you can trust.

Prices are competitive across the board, and orders over £40 qualify for free UK delivery. New customers get 5% off their first order. If you’re stocking up, buying in bulk brings the cost per shot down further, and our rewards programme lets you earn points on every order. Pair your shots with a shortfill from our shortfill range and you’ve got everything you need to mix at home for less.

We picked up the 2024 Prestige Award for vaping excellence, not because we asked for recognition but because our customers’ experience earned it. If you’ve got questions about which shot to choose or what strength to start with, our team knows this stuff from first-hand use.