Shortfill E-Liquids Explained: How to Add a Nicotine Shot (UK Guide)
08 October 2026 · Vapes Direct Wholesale
Shortfill e-liquids are one of the most popular ways to buy e-liquid in the UK. They come in larger bottles, usually 50ml or 100ml, and contain no nicotine. Instead, the bottle is left part-empty so you can add a nicotine shot yourself. This guide explains how shortfills work and how to mix them.
Why are shortfills sold without nicotine?
UK rules limit nicotine e-liquid to bottles of up to 10ml. Shortfills get around this by selling the flavoured liquid at 0mg in a bigger bottle, with room left for one or more 10ml nicotine shots.
What is a nicotine shot?
A nicotine shot is a 10ml bottle of unflavoured nicotine liquid, usually 18mg or 20mg. When you add it to a shortfill, it brings the whole bottle up to a lower, vapeable strength.
How to mix a shortfill
- Open the shortfill bottle and remove the nozzle tip (most twist or pull off).
- Add your nicotine shot or shots.
- Replace the nozzle and shake the bottle well for a minute.
- Leave it to settle for a short while, then fill your tank or pod.
Quick mixing guide
| Shortfill | Nicotine shots (18mg) | Final strength (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 50ml in a 60ml bottle | 1 x 10ml | 3mg |
| 50ml in a 70ml bottle | 2 x 10ml | 5mg |
| 100ml in a 120ml bottle | 2 x 10ml | 3mg |
| 100ml in a 120ml bottle | 2 x 10ml (20mg) | 3.3mg |
Always check the bottle size on the label, as the space left for shots varies by brand.
Which devices suit shortfills?
Most shortfills are high in VG, which makes thicker vapour. They work best in vape kits and sub-ohm tanks with lower-resistance coils. For small pod kits, a 10ml nic salt is usually a better choice.
Shortfills and the Vaping Products Duty
Since 1 October 2026, all vaping liquids carry a duty of £2.20 per 10ml, including nicotine-free shortfills. That means a 100ml shortfill carries £22.00 of duty before VAT. Read our Vaping Products Duty guide for full details.
Shop our range of shortfill e-liquids from leading UK brands at trade prices.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I vape a shortfill without adding nicotine?
Yes. Shortfills can be vaped at 0mg if you do not want nicotine.
How many nicotine shots can I add?
Only as many as the bottle has space for. Check the bottle size on the label before adding shots.
Do shortfills include duty?
Yes. Since 1 October 2026, the Vaping Products Duty applies to all vaping liquids, including 0mg shortfills.
Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine shots contain nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. Not for use by non-smokers.
