Let’s be real—nic shots and shortfills sound like something out of a science experiment, but they’re actually the vape world’s version of a customizable coffee: add a shot (or two) to get your perfect “strength” 
. I once stared at a 50ml bottle of mango shortfill like it was a alien artifact, wondering why it had zero nicotine. Spoiler: Nic shots are the missing piece. Here’s the lowdown on what they are, how they work, and why they’re a game-changer for vapers.
First, let’s define the basics: A nic shot (short for nicotine shot) is a tiny bottle (usually 10ml) of super-concentrated nicotine (most commonly 18mg or 20mg) designed to mix with shortfill e-juice. A shortfill is a larger bottle (30ml, 50ml, 100ml) of nicotine-free e-juice—with extra space at the top (the “short fill”) to add your nic shot without spilling. Think of it like a soda bottle with room for ice: genius, right?
Why bother with this combo? Simple—customization. Shortfills let you pick your favorite flavor (mango, vanilla, blueberry—you name it 
), then adjust the nicotine strength to your vibe. New vapers can go light (3mg), heavy hitters can crank it up (6mg+), and everyone in between gets exactly what they want. No more settling for “close enough” strength—this is vape tailor-made for you.
How do you mix them? It’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture (promise!). Let’s say you have a 50ml shortfill with 10ml of empty space (total capacity 60ml) and a 10ml 18mg nic shot. Pour the entire nic shot into the shortfill, shake it like you’re dancing to your favorite song 
, and boom—you’ve got 60ml of 3mg e-juice. The math? (Nic shot strength × nic shot volume) ÷ total volume = final strength. It’s basic arithmetic, but if math makes you sweat, use a free online nic shot calculator (I do—no shame).
Pro tips to avoid disasters:
- Shake vigorously! Nicotine needs to mix evenly—skimping on shaking means some puffs will be weak, others will be a throat-burning nightmare.
- Let it “steep” for 30 minutes to an hour. This lets the flavor and nicotine meld, so you don’t get that “raw nic” taste.
- Start low! If you’re unsure, mix to 3mg first—you can always add another nic shot (but you can’t take it out). I once overdid it with a 6mg mix and felt like I’d swallowed a firecracker
.
Nic shots are also budget-friendly. Shortfills are cheaper per ml than pre-mixed juice, and nic shots cost just £1–£2 each. Plus, they’re perfect for travelers—no more hauling multiple bottles of pre-mixed juice; just pack shortfills and a few nic shots.
The only catch? Nic shots are for adults only (duh) and need to be stored safely—keep them away from kids and pets, as the high concentration is toxic if ingested.
At the end of the day, nic shots and shortfills are all about control. They let you be the boss of your vape—flavor, strength, and all. Whether you’re a casual vaper or a seasoned pro, this combo is a must-try.
Ever messed up a nic shot mix? Or have a go-to shortfill + nic shot combo? Drop a comment—I need to know if anyone else has a favorite flavor that’s even better with a custom strength. Happy (customized) puffing! 