Guide
Shortfill e-liquid: how to mix it with nicotine shots
Eliane Weber · iVape editorial team, products & e-liquids focus
October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
A shortfill is a nicotine-free e-liquid in an extra-large bottle. You top up the empty space with one or two nicotine shots. This way, you get plenty of e-liquid and can choose the strength yourself. Here you can see how the mixing works and what strength you end up with.
What is a shortfill?
‘Shortfill’ literally means ‘not quite full’. The bottle contains 0 mg of nicotine and is deliberately left partially empty. At iVape, there are three sizes available:
| Brand | E-liquid | Bottle | Space for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Juice Bar Range | 40 ml | 60 ml | up to two 10 ml shots |
| Pacha Mama | 50 ml | 60 ml | one 10 ml shot |
| Drifter Bar Juice | 100 ml | 120 ml | 20 ml shots |
You can find all varieties in the Just Juice and Pacha Mama shortfills hub and amongst the Drifter Liquids.
How to mix a shortfill
- Open the bottle. Remove the dropper tip using your fingernail or the handle of a spoon.
- Add the nicotine shot to the bottle.
- Replace the dropper tip and screw the cap back on.
- Shake well for about a minute.
- Leave to stand briefly, then fill the pod or tank.
Nicotine shots are sold separately. They usually come in 10 ml bottles at 20 mg/ml, which is the legal limit for nicotine in e-liquids in Switzerland.
What nicotine strength will you end up with?
The calculation is simple: the nicotine in the shot multiplied by the number of shots, divided by the total volume. With 20 mg/ml shots, this gives:
| Shortfill | 10 ml shots, 20 mg/ml | Total | Nicotine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 ml | 1 shot | 50 ml | 4 mg/ml |
| 40 ml | 2 shots | 60 ml | approx. 6.7 mg/ml |
| 50 ml | 1 shot | 60 ml | approx. 3.3 mg/ml |
| 100 ml | 2 shots | 120 ml | approx. 3.3 mg/ml |
A shortfill therefore always contains significantly less than the 20 mg/ml found in a nicotine salt e-liquid. The Nicotine Strength Guide explains which strength is suitable for whom.
Shortfill or nicotine salt?
A shortfill is worth it if you vape a lot and want a high nicotine strength. You buy large quantities in one go.
If you want to vape at a higher strength, such as 10 or 20 mg/ml, a ready-made nicotine salt e-liquid in a 10 ml bottle is simpler. For example, Drifter Bar Salt, Salt Brew or VOZOL Liquid.
Which device is suitable for which shortfill?
The mixing ratio of PG and VG is important:
- Just Juice Bar Range contains 60% PG and 40% VG. This is suitable for MTL devices and open pod systems.
- Pacha Mama is a high-VG formulation. It is designed for higher-wattage devices and sub-ohm atomisers.
We compare refillable pod systems in the guide Caliburn G5, Xlim Pro 3 and Argus G4. To find out how to fill a pod correctly, see How to fill a pod correctly.
Nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine shots and mixed e-liquids must be kept out of the reach of children. Sale restricted to adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a short-fill e-liquid?
- A shortfill is a nicotine-free e-liquid in a bottle that isn’t quite full. The empty space is intended for one or two nicotine shots. This allows you to choose the nicotine strength yourself.
- How much nicotine does a shortfill contain after mixing?
- That depends on the ratio. 50 ml of shortfill plus a 10 ml shot at 20 mg/ml makes 60 ml at around 3.3 mg/ml. 40 ml plus two 10 ml shots makes 60 ml at around 6.7 mg/ml.
- Can I vape a shortfill even without nicotine?
- Yes. A shortfill contains 0 mg of nicotine. You can use it as it is or top it up with a nicotine-free base.
- Are short-fill e-liquids suitable for pod systems?
- That depends on the mixing ratio. E-liquids with a higher PG content, such as the Just Juice Bar Range with 60 per cent PG, are suitable for MTL and open pod systems. High-VG e-liquids, such as Pacha Mama, are designed for sub-ohm devices.
