What Is a Nic Shot?
A straightforward guide to nic shot strengths, freebase versus nic salt, matching VG and PG ratios and how a nic shot turns an Imp Jar shortfill into a finished vape.
The short answer
A nic shot is a small 10ml bottle of concentrated nicotine, sold unflavoured and designed to be mixed into a larger nicotine free shortfill bottle. Once combined, the nic shot brings the nicotine and the shortfill brings the bulk of the liquid and the flavour. Add one 18mg nic shot to a 50ml Imp Jar shortfill and you end up with 60ml of e-liquid at approximately 3mg.
Browse the Imp Jar Originals range
50ml shortfills in disposable inspired flavours, ready to mix with a nic shot of your choice. UK made in Maidstone, Kent.
Why nic shots exist
UK regulation caps any bottle that already contains nicotine at 10ml, with a maximum strength of 20mg per ml. Nic shots are built around that exact limit. By keeping the nicotine in its own small, separately tested bottle, manufacturers can sell the much larger shortfill base without it falling under the same size restriction. Combine the two and you legally end up with a far larger volume of nicotine containing e-liquid than buying pre-mixed 10ml bottles alone.
What is inside a nic shot
A nic shot is made up of nicotine suspended in a carrier of vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol or a blend of both, with no added flavouring. Keeping it unflavoured means it does not dilute or distort the taste of whichever shortfill it is mixed into.
Freebase nicotine versus nic salt
Nic shots come in two main types. Freebase nicotine is the traditional form, delivering a stronger, more noticeable throat hit and performing well across a wide range of devices. Nicotine salt shots use a chemically altered form of nicotine that feels smoother at the back of the throat and is absorbed slightly faster, which is why nic salts are usually associated with low powered pod kits rather than shortfill mixing. Most shortfill mixing is done with standard freebase nic shots, since the shortfill itself is already designed around that profile.
| Nic shot type | Throat hit | Best paired with |
|---|---|---|
| Freebase 18mg or 20mg | Stronger, more noticeable | 50/50 or higher VG shortfills |
| Nic salt shot | Smoother at the same strength | Low powered pod kits, used sparingly with shortfills |
Matching the VG and PG ratio
For the smoothest result, the VG and PG ratio of your nic shot should match the shortfill you are adding it to. Imp Jar Originals shortfills are blended at 50% VG and 50% PG, so a 50/50 nic shot keeps the finished mix consistent and avoids throwing off how the liquid wicks in your device. Using a mismatched ratio will not ruin the liquid but it can shift the balance of throat hit, vapour and flavour slightly away from what the shortfill was designed to deliver.
Common questions about nic shots
Can I vape a nic shot on its own?
It is possible since a nic shot is technically e-liquid but it is unflavoured and very concentrated, so it is not designed or intended to be used that way.
How many nic shots can I add to one shortfill?
This depends on the headroom in the bottle. A 50ml shortfill has space for exactly one 10ml nic shot, a 100ml shortfill has space for two.
Do nic shots expire?
Like any e-liquid, nicotine strength can gradually degrade over time, particularly with exposure to heat and light. Store nic shots in a cool, dark place and use them within the timeframe printed on the bottle.
Part of the Imp Jar 50ml guides hub
This page is part of our complete Imp Jar 50ml guide series. Return to the Imp Jar 50ml Guides Hub for the full topic overview. Browse the related guides below.