A Comprehensive Guide to Nicotine Shots

What are nic shots? How do you mix them, how do you know which ones to choose?

Whether you're a newcomer exploring vaping or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the nuances of nicotine shots can significantly enhance your vaping experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything from how to use and mix nicotine shots to understanding the different ratios like 50/50 and 70/30. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of nicotine shots and how they can elevate your vaping journey.

DarkStar Nicotine

We’ve always maintained a stellar reputation for crystal clear nicotine, ever since we launched back in 2013. Nothing has changed - our nicotine is pure, clean and kept fresh so that every customer receives the highest quality nic shots on the market.

What are Nicotine Shots?

Nicotine shots, also known as nic shots or nicotine boosters, are small bottles containing a concentrated nicotine solution, typically mixed in a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These shots are designed to be added to nicotine-free e-liquids, allowing vapers to customise their nicotine levels to their preference. Nicotine shots are commonly available in concentrations ranging from 18mg/ml to 20mg/ml, and they can come in various VG/PG ratios to suit different vaping styles. 

How to Use Nic Shots?

Using nicotine shots is a straightforward process, but we’ve got a step by step here for you to lay it all out: 

1. What you’ll need: your preferred flavour, some base mix  and VG/PG ratio and determine your desired nicotine strength.
2. Check your calculations: getting the correct amounts of everything (flavour, base and nicotine) is important, so check out an e-liquid calculator online to make sure you’ve got everything right.
3. Add nicotine shots: Carefully open the nicotine shot bottle(s) and pour them into the mixing container with the base e-liquid.
4. Give the liquid a good shake - you want to make sure that the nicotine is blending evenly with the base e-liquid.
5. Test and adjust: After mixing, allow the e-liquid to steep for a short period, then test its nicotine strength. If necessary, adjust by adding more nicotine shots or base e-liquid accordingly.
6. Store properly: Seal the e-liquid container tightly and store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
7. Keep it cool: we recommend storing your nic shots in the freezer if you’re not going to use them immediately.

Understanding Nicotine Shot Ratios: 50/50, 70/30, etc.

Nicotine shots are available in various VG/PG ratios, which can affect the overall vaping experience. The most common ratios are 50/50 and 70/30 - here's a breakdown of what these ratios mean and how they can impact your vaping:

50/50 ratio

A nicotine shot with a 50/50 VG/PG ratio contains equal parts of VG and PG. This balanced ratio offers a good throat hit and vapour production, making it suitable for both mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-lung (DL) vaping styles.

70/30 ratio

A nicotine shot with a 70/30 VG/PG ratio contains a higher proportion of vegetable glycerin compared to propylene glycol. This ratio results in thicker vapour production and smoother throat hits, making it ideal for sub-ohm vaping and cloud chasing.

Salts vs. Freebase 

Two types of nicotine - but which is for you? It always comes down to personal preference, of course, but here are a few things that might help you to decide.

Freebase nicotine has a higher pH, leading to a harsher throat hit, especially at higher concentrations. It’s best suited for higher-wattage devices and is great for those looking for a more intense vaping experience.

Nicotine salts have a lower pH, which makes them smoother to inhale even at higher strengths. They’re often used in lower-wattage devices like pod systems. Some recipes also just blend better with nic salts, like our Pod Fog range.  

Ultimately, it depends on whether you prioritise a smoother intake (nicotine salts) or a stronger throat hit (freebase nicotine).

Flavoured Nic Salts

Flavoured nic salts are exactly what they sound like! They come in a range of strengths, the most popular being 10mg and 20mg.

Our POD FOG range is a great place to start - with 12 different flavours, there’s definitely something for you. Check them out here.

Conclusion

By understanding how to use and mix nicotine shots effectively, you can create personalised e-liquids tailored to your preferences. Additionally, knowing the differences between VG/PG ratios like 50/50 and 70/30 enables you to fine-tune your vaping experience further. 

With the information provided in this guide, you're well-equipped to navigate the world of nicotine shots with confidence and creativity. Happy vaping!