For many vapers, adding nicotine to vape juice is part of the routine. But why do we need to do this, and how exactly is it done? The answer lies in a combination of regulations, industry innovation, and the flexibility that shortfills provide. Once you understand the background, adding nicotine becomes simple and gives you the freedom to create the perfect strength for your needs.
Why do we add nicotine to vape juice?
The reason nicotine is not included in larger bottles comes down to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), an EU law introduced in 2016 that still applies in the UK. This regulation restricted the sale of nicotine-containing e liquids to bottles no larger than 10ml. The intention was to reduce risks if nicotine was accidentally swallowed, but it created inconvenience for regular vapers. Instead of buying larger bottles, they were forced to buy multiple small ones, which was expensive and wasteful.
The industry responded with shortfills, a clever workaround often referred to as the “loophole.” Shortfills are larger bottles of nicotine-free vape juice, usually 50ml or 100ml, with extra space at the top. This space is reserved for nicotine shots, which are small 10ml bottles of concentrated nicotine liquid. By mixing these shots into the shortfill, vapers can customise their nicotine level while still enjoying the convenience and value of bigger bottles.
This system keeps within the law because the shortfill itself is sold without nicotine. The customer adds the nicotine separately, which avoids the 10ml restriction and gives more flexibility.
What are nicotine shots?
Nicotine shots, or nic shots, are unflavoured bottles of nicotine, usually sold at 18mg or 20mg strength. They are designed to be mixed with shortfills rather than used alone. Adding one or two shots to a 100ml bottle will create a final liquid with a nicotine strength of around 1.5mg to 3mg, which suits most sub ohm vapers.
Because nic shots are flavourless, they do not affect the taste of the juice when mixed properly. This allows the full flavour of your vape juice to come through as intended.
Step by step: how to add nicotine to vape juice
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Open your shortfill bottle
Remove the cap and nozzle carefully. Some bottles have tight childproof caps and tamper rings that may need a bit of force to break. -
Add the nicotine shots
Pour in the nic shots directly. For a 100ml shortfill, one shot creates around 1.5mg strength, while two shots create 3mg. -
Replace the nozzle and cap
Push the nozzle firmly back into place, then screw the cap on tightly. This prevents leaks. -
Shake thoroughly
Shake the bottle for at least a minute to make sure the nicotine mixes evenly with the liquid. Some people also recommend letting the bottle sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the blend to settle, especially with dessert or tobacco flavours. -
Test and enjoy
Once shaken and settled, your juice is ready to use in your device.
Calculating nicotine strength
The maths is simple once you know the ratios.
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100ml shortfill + 1 x 10ml nic shot (18mg) = 1.5mg final strength
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100ml shortfill + 2 x 10ml nic shots (18mg) = 3mg final strength
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50ml shortfill + 1 x 10ml nic shot (18mg) = 3mg final strength
If you want higher strengths, shortfills may not be the best option. They are mainly designed for lower nicotine levels, which suit sub ohm vaping and larger cloud production.
Why shortfills are so popular
Shortfills have become the go to option for many vapers because they offer flexibility and value. Buying one 100ml bottle with nic shots is cheaper and easier than buying ten separate 10ml bottles. It also reduces plastic waste and gives more choice in how you vape.
If you want to explore different flavour options in these larger bottles, browse our 100ml vape juice collection which offers a wide variety of blends. For more detailed guidance on mixing, storage, and nicotine levels, check out our 100ml shortfill guide which explains the process in depth.
Common mistakes when adding nicotine
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Not shaking enough, which can leave nicotine unevenly spread in the juice.
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Adding too many nic shots, which dilutes flavour and increases harshness.
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Forgetting to push the nozzle back properly, which leads to leaks.
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Using low-quality or flavoured nic shots that spoil the intended taste.
By avoiding these mistakes you can get a consistent and enjoyable result every time.
Final thoughts
Adding nicotine to vape juice is straightforward once you understand why shortfills exist. The TPD’s 10ml rule forced the industry to innovate, and the shortfill system is the clever solution. It gives vapers the ability to customise nicotine strength, enjoy larger bottles, and save money while staying within the law.
The key is to measure carefully, shake thoroughly, and use quality nicotine shots. With a little practice, you will find it easy to add nicotine to your juice and enjoy vaping exactly the way you like it.
If you are still deciding whether shots are needed, read Do You Need Nic Shots with 100ml Vape Juice?. To explore top-end strengths and limits for shortfills, use The Strongest Nicotine Options for 100ml Shortfills.