A nic shot is a 10ml bottle of unflavoured nicotine, usually 18mg or 20mg, made to be poured into a shortfill. One shot in 50ml gives about 3mg; two in 100ml also gives about 3mg, and they cost around a pound each.
The short version
- Nic shots are 10ml, unflavoured and usually 18mg or 20mg.
- They come in freebase or salt, and in 50/50, 70VG or 100VG.
- One per 50ml shortfill, two per 100ml, for around 3mg.
- Never vape a nic shot on its own.
What is in the bottle
A nic shot, sometimes called a nicotine booster, is 10ml of plain VG/PG base with nicotine added and no flavour at all. It exists because UK law caps nicotine e-liquid bottles at 10ml, while shortfills come at 0mg in bigger bottles. The shot is the bridge between the two, and it lets you choose your own strength.
Shots are sold at 18mg or 20mg, with a few at 15mg. They are TPD compliant, with a child-resistant cap and tamper-evident seal, and many have a nozzle that pops off to make pouring easier. You will find the full range under nicotine shots.
The different types
Shots vary in two ways: nicotine type and ratio. Freebase shots are the classic choice. Salt shots give a smoother throat feel at the same strength. Ratios run from 50/50 to 70VG to 100VG, and the one you pick nudges the thickness of your finished liquid.
Real examples from our shelves: the Top Shot 70VG at 99p keeps a 70/30 shortfill at 70/30. The Nic Nic 100VG at £1 thickens things slightly. Salt shots such as the Zap! Salt Nic Shot suit anyone who finds freebase harsh, and they mix into any shortfill.
How many shots do you need?
For most shortfills the answer is printed on the bottle: a 50ml shortfill takes one shot, a 100ml takes two, both landing at about 3mg with 18mg shots. That is the standard sub-ohm strength, and the bottle has exactly the right space.
Want a different strength? Use the calculator. One shot in 100ml gives a gentle 1.64mg. Going above 3mg means adding more shots in a bigger bottle, which also dilutes the flavour, so there is a point where a ready-made 10ml at your strength makes more sense. Nicotine is addictive, so be deliberate about where you land.
Final strength 3.0mg in 60ml
What shots cost
Nic shots are one of the cheapest things in vaping, which is part of why shortfills are such good value. Prices on our shelves start at 99p for a freebase shot, with salt shots and multipacks costing a little more.
For a 100ml shortfill you need two shots, so add around £2 to the shortfill price. Even then, the final cost per ml is usually well below a 10ml bottle. If you mix a lot, multipacks and the deals page are worth checking, since shots keep for a long time when stored cool and dark.
Source: Spectrum Vaping shelf prices, single 10ml shot; offers change.
Nic shot myths
Nic shots look like any other small bottle of e-liquid, which leads to some confusion. Some people try vaping them on their own, some think they add flavour, and some assume more shots means a better vape.
Flip the cards for the facts, because a couple of these mistakes waste a whole bottle. If you have just bought your first shortfill, our step-by-step on adding a nic shot walks through the pour, the shake and what to do with a stubborn nozzle. It also covers how long to wait, if at all, before your first fill.
Quick check
You have a 100ml shortfill that comes in a 120ml bottle and you want the standard sub-ohm strength of about 3mg for your tank. You have a handful of 18mg nic shots in the drawer and you are not in the mood for maths tonight.
How many of those shots do you need to pour in? If you are not sure, remember what the empty space in the bottle is telling you: the maker left exactly enough room for the shots needed to reach the standard strength, and each shot is 10ml.
How many 18mg shots for 3mg in a 100ml shortfill?
Quick answers
What is a nic shot?
A 10ml bottle of unflavoured nicotine base, usually 18mg or 20mg, made to add to shortfill e-liquid.
How many nic shots in a 50ml shortfill?
One, giving about 3mg with an 18mg shot.
Can you vape a nic shot by itself?
No. Nic shots are designed for mixing, not for vaping on their own.
Should I use a salt or freebase nic shot?
Either works. Salt shots feel smoother; freebase gives a little more throat hit.
