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Nicotine Shots

Nicotine shots, also called nic shots or nicotine boosters, are 10ml bottles of unflavoured nicotine for adding to nicotine-free shortfill e-liquids. Choose from freebase and nic salt shots from brands including Just Nic It and Nic Up, in single bottles or multipacks.
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How to Use Nicotine Shots

Shortfills are sold without nicotine and with space left in the bottle for one or more 10ml nic shots. Add the shot, replace the cap and shake well. As a guide, adding one 18mg shot to a 50ml shortfill gives 60ml at about 3mg, and two 18mg shots in a 100ml shortfill give 120ml at about 3mg. Our nic shot calculator works out other combinations, and our guide to mixing your own shortfill shows each step.

Freebase or Nic Salt Shots?

Freebase nicotine shots are the traditional choice for shortfills. Nic salt shots use a different form of nicotine that many vapers find smoother. Our freebase vs nic salt booster guide explains the difference. Most shots are blended at 50/50 or with a higher VG content, which helps keep your shortfill's VG ratio consistent. Check the product page for each shot's ratio.

Types of Nicotine Shot

Nic shots come in several VG/PG ratios, from 50/50 through to 70VG, 80VG and 100VG, so you can match the shot to your shortfill and keep the mix consistent. As well as standard unflavoured shots, there are ice shots that add a cooling effect, such as Just Nic It On Ice and Nic Nic Ice Cool, alongside freebase and nic salt versions from Nic Up and others.

Choosing a Strength

UK nicotine shots come in 10ml bottles at up to 20mg/ml. The final strength depends on how many shots you add and how much e-liquid is in the bottle. If you're unsure which strength suits you, read what strength vape liquid should I choose?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nic shots do I need for a 100ml shortfill?

Two 18mg shots in a 100ml shortfill make 120ml at about 3mg. One shot makes 110ml at about 1.6mg. Bottles marked "100ml in 120ml" have room for two shots.

What strength will my shortfill be?

Divide the total nicotine by the total volume. One 10ml 18mg shot in a 50ml shortfill gives 180mg across 60ml, which is 3mg/ml. The nic shot calculator does this for any combination.

Should I use freebase or nic salt shots?

Both work in shortfills. Freebase is the traditional option, while nic salt shots tend to feel smoother at the same strength. The final strength of your mix is usually low either way, so it comes down to personal preference.

Do nicotine shots affect the flavour?

Nicotine shots are unflavoured, so adding them dilutes the flavour slightly. Most shortfills are made with this in mind, but shaking well and letting the bottle sit for a short time helps the mix settle.

Can I use nicotine shots with any e-liquid?

Nicotine shots are designed for nicotine-free shortfills that have space left in the bottle. Adding them to an e-liquid that already contains nicotine isn't recommended, as it makes the final strength harder to judge.

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