What Are Shortfills and Nic Shots? A Complete Mixing Guide (2026)
Shortfills are one of the most cost-effective ways to buy vape juice in the UK, but the concept can be confusing if you have not used them before. This guide explains what shortfill e-liquids are, why they exist, what nic shots are, how to mix them together, and which devices they work best with.
What is a shortfill?
A shortfill is a bottle of nicotine-free vape juice that is deliberately not filled to the top. The gap left inside the bottle is there so you can add a separate nicotine shot and mix your own strength. A 50ml shortfill comes in a 60ml bottle, and a 100ml shortfill comes in a 120ml bottle. The extra 10 to 20ml of space is exactly enough for one or two nic shots.
The reason shortfills exist comes down to UK law. Under the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), any e-liquid that contains nicotine can only be sold in bottles of 10ml or smaller. Since shortfills are sold at 0mg nicotine, they are not subject to this restriction and can legally be sold in 50ml, 100ml, or even larger sizes. You buy the nic shot separately in a 10ml bottle, add it yourself, and the result is a larger volume of vape liquid at your chosen nicotine strength for less money per millilitre than buying the equivalent in 10ml bottles.
Browse the full range of shortfill e-liquids to see what flavours are available.
What is a nic shot?
A nic shot is a small 10ml bottle of unflavoured nicotine liquid designed to be added to a shortfill. It contains concentrated nicotine (typically 18mg/ml in the UK) but no flavouring, so it does not alter the taste of your shortfill when mixed in. You simply pour the nic shot into the shortfill bottle, shake, and the nicotine distributes evenly throughout the vape juice.
Nic shots are available in two nicotine types. Freebase nic shots provide a noticeable throat hit and are the most common choice for sub-ohm vapers who want the traditional vaping sensation. Nicotine salt nic shots deliver a smoother feel and faster nicotine absorption, which some vapers prefer even in a sub-ohm setup. Both types work the same way when mixing: the only difference is how the nicotine feels when you vape it.
Nic shots also come in different PG/VG ratios. A max VG nic shot like the Nic Nic Max VG Nicotine Shot blends seamlessly with high-VG shortfills without thinning the liquid, which helps preserve cloud production and flavour. If your shortfill is already high-VG (which most are), a max VG or high-VG nic shot is the best match.
Browse all nic shots to find the right one for your shortfill.
Shortfill sizes and nic shot ratios
The maths behind shortfill mixing is designed to be simple. Each standard 18mg nic shot adds enough nicotine to produce a 3mg final strength when mixed with the shortfill. Here is the full breakdown.
| Shortfill size | Bottle size | Nic shots for 3mg | Nic shots for 6mg | Final volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50ml | 60ml bottle | 1 x 18mg shot | 2 x 18mg shots (requires decanting some liquid first) | 60ml at 3mg |
| 100ml | 120ml bottle | 2 x 18mg shots | 4 x 18mg shots (requires decanting some liquid first) | 120ml at 3mg |
The formula is: (number of nic shots x nic shot strength) / (shortfill volume + total nic shot volume) x 10 = final mg/ml. For example, 2 x 18mg shots added to 100ml of shortfill = (2 x 18) / (100 + 20) x 10 = 3mg/ml.
Most vapers who use shortfills aim for 3mg, which is the standard nicotine strength for sub-ohm vaping. Going higher than 6mg is not recommended with shortfills, as adding more nic shots dilutes the flavour and changes the PG/VG balance of the liquid.
How to mix a shortfill with a nic shot
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Open the shortfill | Unscrew the cap from your shortfill bottle. Most bottles also have a nozzle or dropper cap underneath: remove this too so you have a wide opening. A flat tool or your fingernail usually works to pry the nozzle off. |
| 2. Pour in the nic shot | Open your nic shot bottle and squeeze the entire contents into the shortfill. Pour slowly to avoid spilling. For a 100ml shortfill, repeat with a second nic shot. |
| 3. Reseal and shake | Push the nozzle back on firmly, screw the cap on tightly, and shake the bottle vigorously for at least 60 seconds. Thorough shaking ensures the nicotine distributes evenly. If you do not shake enough, you may get "hot spots" where some draws taste peppery and others taste weak. |
| 4. Let it settle | Wait a few minutes for air bubbles to clear. Some vapers let the mixture steep for a day or two in a cool, dark place for the flavour to develop fully, but most shortfills taste good immediately after mixing. |
| 5. Fill your device | Fill your tank or pod as normal. If you are using a new coil, remember to prime it and wait 5 to 10 minutes before vaping. For full priming instructions, see our vape coils guide. |
Which devices work best with shortfills?
Shortfills are designed for sub-ohm and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. Their high VG content (typically 70/30 or 80/20) produces thick, flavourful clouds that perform best in devices with low-resistance coils running at higher wattages.
A sub-ohm kit like the Geekvape Aegis Legend 5 pairs well with shortfill e-liquid, offering adjustable wattage, large tank capacity, and coils designed for high-VG liquid. Browse our full range of sub-ohm kits to find a device that suits your budget and style.
Shortfills are not recommended for standard pod kits or MTL devices. The thicker liquid does not wick properly through high-resistance MTL coils, which causes dry hits and coil damage. If you use a pod kit, nic salt e-liquids in 10ml bottles are a better fit. For a breakdown of which vape juice suits which device, see our PG/VG ratio guide.
Shortfill cost comparison
One of the biggest advantages of shortfills is value for money. Buying e-liquid in larger volumes costs significantly less per millilitre than buying it in 10ml bottles.
| Format | Typical price | Cost per 10ml |
|---|---|---|
| 6 x 10ml nic salts (60ml total) | £18 to £30 | £3.00 to £5.00 |
| 50ml shortfill + 1 nic shot (60ml total) | £10 to £16 | £1.67 to £2.67 |
| 100ml shortfill + 2 nic shots (120ml total) | £14 to £22 | £1.17 to £1.83 |
Popular shortfills like the Doozy Infinity Pineapple Raspberry 100ml and the Moreish Puff Iced Blue Raspberry 100ml offer premium flavour at a fraction of the per-millilitre cost of 10ml bottles.
It is worth noting that the UK government is introducing a Vaping Products Duty from October 2026 which will add a flat charge per millilitre to all e-liquid, including shortfills and nic shots.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shortfill e-liquid?
A shortfill is a bottle of 0mg (nicotine-free) vape juice that is not filled to the top. The space inside the bottle is designed for you to add a nic shot, which turns it into a nicotine-containing e-liquid at your chosen strength. Shortfills come in 50ml and 100ml sizes and are popular with sub-ohm vapers for their value and flavour variety.
What is a nic shot?
A nic shot is a 10ml bottle of unflavoured concentrated nicotine (usually 18mg/ml) that you add to a shortfill to create your desired nicotine strength. One 18mg nic shot added to a 50ml shortfill produces 60ml of vape juice at 3mg nicotine. Nic shots are available in freebase and nicotine salt versions.
How many nic shots do I add to a 100ml shortfill?
Two 18mg nic shots added to a 100ml shortfill produce 120ml of vape liquid at 3mg nicotine strength. The 120ml bottle has room for exactly two 10ml shots. If you want 6mg, you need four shots, but you will need to pour out some of the shortfill first to make room.
Can I use a shortfill without adding nicotine?
Yes. Shortfills are sold at 0mg, so you can vape them without adding a nic shot. This is a popular option for vapers who have reduced their nicotine intake to zero but still enjoy vaping for the flavour.
Can I use a shortfill in a pod kit?
Not recommended. Shortfills are high-VG vape liquid designed for sub-ohm devices. The thick consistency does not wick well through the higher-resistance coils found in most pod kits, which causes dry hits and coil damage. Use nic salt vape juice in pod kits instead.
How long does a mixed shortfill last?
Once mixed with a nic shot, shortfill vape juice has a typical shelf life of one to two years if stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed. The flavour may gradually fade over time, but the liquid remains safe to use within the expiry date printed on the bottle.
What is the difference between a shortfill and a nic salt?
A shortfill is a large bottle of 0mg vape juice designed for sub-ohm kits, with nicotine added separately via a nic shot. A nic salt is a pre-mixed 10ml bottle of vape juice containing nicotine in a salt form, designed for pod kits and MTL devices. They serve different device types and vaping styles. For a full comparison of nicotine types, see our nicotine strength guide.
Do I need to let a shortfill steep after mixing?
Steeping (leaving the mixed liquid to sit) can enhance the flavour of some shortfills, particularly dessert and bakery blends. A day or two in a cool, dark place is usually enough. However, most fruit and menthol shortfills taste good immediately after a thorough shake. It is a matter of personal preference rather than a requirement.