What are nic shots?

What is actually in a nic shot

A nic shot is the simplest possible vape product: nicotine dissolved in a VG/PG base, with no flavouring. It exists for one purpose, to add nicotine to other e-liquid.

• Volume: 10ml. The maximum size for nicotine-containing bottles under UK TRPR.
• Nicotine strength: 18mg/ml or 20mg/ml. 20mg is the legal UK maximum. 18mg is also common because of legacy formats from before the 20mg standard.
• Nicotine type: Almost always freebase nicotine. Nic salt shots exist but are rare and not used in shortfill/longfill mixing.
• Base: VG/PG mix. Common ratios: 50PG/50VG, 70VG/30PG, 100VG. Choose the base ratio that matches your shortfill.
• Flavour: None. Just nicotine and base. Adding it does not change the shortfill flavour.
• Bottle type: Same standard 10ml bottle as nicotine e-liquid. Usually with a fine nozzle for accurate pouring.

How to use nic shots

1. Buy nic shots that match your shortfill

   Match the VG/PG ratio. 70VG nic shots for 70VG shortfills. 50/50 nic shots for 50/50 shortfills. Matching ratios keep the final blend consistent.

2. Open the shortfill

   Remove the cap and the nozzle insert from the shortfill. The bottle should have empty space at the top for the nic shot.

3. Pour the entire nic shot in

   Open the nic shot bottle. Pour the full 10ml into the shortfill. The shortfill should now be full.

4. Replace caps and shake

   Close both bottles. Shake the shortfill vigorously for 30-60 seconds. The shake helps the nicotine and base mix evenly.

5. Ready to use

   For most modern shortfills, you can vape immediately. Some users prefer to let it sit for a few hours for optimal blending.

The maths: what strength do you get

The final nicotine strength depends on the shortfill size and the nic shot strength. Standard UK setups produce predictable results.

Why 18mg and 20mg specifically

The two standard nic shot strengths exist for specific maths reasons. The numbers are not arbitrary.

• 18mg history: Before the UK adopted 20mg as the maximum strength, 18mg was the legacy maximum from earlier regulations. Manufacturers kept making 18mg shots because the maths produced exactly 3mg in a 60ml total (18 × 10 ÷ 60 = 3). Clean numbers.
• 20mg modern: The current UK TRPR maximum is 20mg/ml. Modern shots are at 20mg to maximise nicotine delivery per 10ml. Slightly higher final strength (3.33mg vs 3.0mg).
• Which to choose: Either works. 18mg shots give you exactly 3mg final strength. 20mg shots give you slightly more nicotine. Most UK retailers stock both.
• Lower-strength shots: 9mg or 6mg shots exist but are rare. They produce very low final strengths and are mostly for users stepping down nicotine. Cost-inefficient.

Choosing the right nic shot

1. Match VG/PG ratio to your shortfill

   70VG shortfill needs 70VG nic shot. 50/50 shortfill needs 50/50 nic shot. Mismatch shifts the final blend slightly.

2. Choose freebase, not salt

   Standard nic shots are freebase. Salt nic shots exist but are not used for shortfills (the chemistry of sub-ohm DTL plus salt nicotine is unpleasant).

3. Pick 18mg or 20mg

   For 3mg final: 18mg shots are mathematically cleaner. For maximum nicotine: 20mg shots. Most stores offer both.

4. Buy in multipacks

   4-packs and 10-packs of nic shots are cheaper per shot than individual bottles. Stock up.

5. Check the manufacture date

   Nic shots have a shelf life of 1-2 years. Older shots may have slightly degraded nicotine. Check date stamps.

Storage and shelf life

• Unopened nic shots: 1-2 years properly stored.
• Storage conditions: Cool, dark, dry. Cupboard or drawer away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration extends shelf life further.
• Once opened: Use within 6-12 months for best results. Nicotine slowly oxidises after exposure to air.
• Signs of oxidation: Nicotine going from clear to amber/brown colour. The shot is still safe but the nicotine may be less effective.
• Safety storage: Out of reach of children and pets. Even a small amount of concentrated nicotine can be harmful if ingested. Child-resistant caps are standard but not foolproof.
• Disposal of empty bottles: Rinse and recycle as plastic. Bottles may retain traces of nicotine, so do not reuse for food or drink.

Nic shot prices in the UK

Pricing for context, accurate for 2026.

The bottom line