April 30, 2026

How to Use Shortfill E-Liquids | Beginner’s Guide

How to Use Shortfill E-Liquids: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve just started vaping or you’re making the switch from cigarettes, you’ve probably come across the term “shortfill” and wondered what it means. Don’t worry — it’s simpler than it sounds. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step.

What Is a Shortfill E-Liquid?

A shortfill is a bottle of e-liquid that isn’t completely full. That’s it. The gap at the top is intentional — it’s left there so you can add a shot of nicotine base and mix it in.

In the UK, regulations limit nicotine-containing e-liquid to bottles of 10ml or less. Shortfills get around this by selling larger volumes (50ml, 100ml, 200ml) of nicotine-free liquid, with space reserved for you to add your own nicotine. The nicotine base is then sold separately in small 10ml bottles — commonly called “nic shots.”

What You’ll Need

  • A shortfill e-liquid (nicotine free, usually 50ml in a 60ml bottle)
  • A nicotine base shot (typically 10ml at 18mg/ml)
  • Clean hands

That’s genuinely all you need. No syringes, no scales, no specialist equipment.

How to Add a Nic Shot to a Shortfill

Step 1 — Check Your Shortfill Size

Most shortfills are sold as 50ml of liquid in a 60ml bottle, leaving exactly 10ml of space. Some larger bottles (100ml in a 120ml bottle) need two nic shots. Always check the label — it will tell you how many shots to add.

Step 2 — Open Both Bottles

Remove the cap from your shortfill. Most nic shot bottles have a nozzle tip — remove the cap from that too.

Step 3 — Squeeze the Nic Shot In

Squeeze the contents of the nic shot bottle directly into the shortfill. Take your time — there’s enough room and it won’t overflow if you’ve got the right combination.

Step 4 — Cap It and Shake

Put the cap back on the shortfill and give it a good shake for 30–60 seconds. This mixes the nicotine evenly throughout the liquid.

Step 5 — Leave It to Steep (Optional)

You can vape it straight away, but leaving it to sit for a few hours — or even overnight — lets the flavour fully develop. This is called steeping. It’s not essential, but many vapers find it makes a noticeable difference to the taste.

What Nicotine Strength Will You End Up With?

The maths is straightforward. If you add one 10ml shot of 18mg/ml nicotine base to a 50ml shortfill, you end up with 60ml total liquid at 3mg/ml. This is the most common combination and is the standard result for a typical 50ml shortfill.

Most shortfill labels will confirm the final strength after mixing — look for something like “3mg after adding one nic shot.”

Common Questions

Can I add more than one nic shot to make it stronger?

Only if the bottle has space for it. Adding more liquid than the bottle can hold will mean you can’t fit it all in, and overfilling affects the mix ratio. Stick to what the label recommends.

Does it matter what ratio the nic shot is?

Yes. Nic shots come in different VG/PG ratios. Ideally, match or complement the ratio of your shortfill. Most shortfills will recommend a compatible nic shot ratio on the label.

What’s the difference between freebase nicotine and nic salts?

Freebase nicotine is the standard form — smoother at lower strengths and widely compatible with most devices. Nic salts absorb faster and feel smoother at higher strengths, making them popular with pod devices. For shortfills, freebase nicotine base is the norm.

Can I vape the shortfill without adding nicotine?

Yes. If you’re trying to reduce your nicotine intake, vaping the shortfill as-is gives you zero nicotine. Many people use this as a step-down method.

Tips for Beginners

  • Shake well every time. Nicotine can settle over time — a quick shake before you fill your tank is a good habit.
  • Store away from direct sunlight. Heat and UV light degrade both flavour and nicotine. A cupboard or drawer is ideal.
  • Label your bottles. If you’re mixing multiple liquids, note the date and strength on each bottle so you don’t lose track.
  • Start at 3mg. If you’re new to vaping, 3mg is a sensible starting point with a standard shortfill. You can adjust from there once you know how it feels.

Final Thoughts

Shortfills are one of the most cost-effective ways to vape in the UK. Once you’ve done it once, the process takes about a minute and becomes second nature. The key things to remember: check how many shots your bottle needs, shake thoroughly, and give it a little time to steep if you can.

If you have any questions about nicotine bases or which products are right for your setup, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@nicora.co.uk.

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