How to Mix a 100ml Bar Series Shortfill and Nic Shot (Step by Step)

How to Mix a 100ml Bar Series Shortfill and Nic Shot (Step by Step)

Introduction
If you have purchased a Bar Series 100ml shortfill, you may have noticed there is space left in the bottle. That extra room is there for one reason, to allow you to add nicotine shots and create your preferred strength. Mixing a shortfill with nic shots is one of the simplest ways to customise your vaping experience, giving you control over both flavour and nicotine level. Whether you are new to vaping or have recently switched from disposable vapes, understanding how to correctly mix and prepare your Bar Series shortfill is essential for safety, satisfaction, and consistency.

What Is a Shortfill?
A shortfill is a larger bottle of e-liquid that contains no nicotine. In the UK, the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) state that nicotine-containing e-liquids cannot be sold in bottles larger than 10ml. To comply with this law, manufacturers like Bar Series produce larger bottles filled part-way, leaving enough space for vapers to add their own nicotine shots. For example, a 100ml Bar Series shortfill typically comes in a 120ml bottle, providing enough space for two 10ml nic shots.

This approach gives adult vapers flexibility. You can enjoy the same bold Bar Series flavours found in the nic salt range but in a larger bottle that suits sub-ohm and high-wattage vaping. The shortfill format also reduces plastic waste, offers better value per millilitre, and allows the user to choose exactly how strong or mild they want their nicotine level to be.

What Is a Nic Shot?
A nic shot, short for nicotine shot, is a small 10ml bottle of unflavoured e-liquid containing a specific strength of nicotine, usually 18mg or 20mg per millilitre. These are mixed into shortfills to achieve your preferred nicotine level. Because nic shots are flavourless, they will not affect the taste of the e-liquid when added in correct amounts.

Nic shots are available in freebase or nicotine salt formulations. For Bar Series shortfills, either option can be used depending on your preference. Nic salt shots tend to deliver smoother throat hits, while freebase shots offer a stronger hit that feels closer to a cigarette draw.

Before You Start Mixing
Before you begin, gather everything you need in a clean, well-lit area. You will need your 100ml Bar Series shortfill, one or two 10ml nicotine shots (depending on your desired strength), some tissue for spills, and possibly gloves if you prefer not to handle liquid directly. Make sure your hands and surfaces are dry. Shake each bottle briefly before opening to ensure even consistency.

If you are unsure of your target nicotine strength, consider this guideline. Adding one 10ml 18mg nic shot to a 100ml shortfill (which gives you 110ml total liquid) produces roughly 1.5mg nicotine strength. Adding two 10ml 18mg nic shots (making 120ml total) results in approximately 3mg strength. These are typical sub-ohm strengths and are ideal for most users of high-wattage or direct-lung devices.

Step One: Open the Shortfill Bottle Safely
To start, remove the cap and tamper seal from your 100ml Bar Series shortfill. Most bottles have a nozzle insert which can be gently pried out using your fingers or a small flat tool. Be careful not to squeeze the bottle too hard when doing this, as it could cause liquid to spill. Make sure the bottle opening is clear and ready for the nic shot.

Step Two: Add the Nicotine Shots
Open your nic shot(s) carefully and pour them directly into the shortfill bottle. If you are aiming for a mild 1.5mg strength, use one nic shot. For 3mg strength, add two nic shots. Pour slowly to avoid bubbles and splashing. When finished, replace the nozzle insert firmly, ensuring it is properly sealed.

Some users prefer using nicotine salt shots to maintain the smooth feel of disposable-style flavours that Bar Series is known for. If this is your preference, check that your chosen nic shot is compatible with high-VG shortfills, which Bar Series shortfills typically are.

Step Three: Shake Thoroughly
Once the nic shots are added, close the bottle tightly and shake it vigorously for at least one to two minutes. The aim is to fully mix the nicotine and e-liquid so that the strength and flavour are consistent from the first puff to the last. If the bottle has been sitting for a while, you may notice the liquid separating slightly. Shaking helps blend everything evenly.

After shaking, let the bottle rest for a few minutes. This allows any air bubbles to settle and ensures the liquid has a smooth texture before you use it.

Step Four: Steeping (Optional)
Although Bar Series shortfills are pre-steeped and ready to use, some users prefer to let the liquid rest for a day or two after mixing. This process, known as steeping, allows flavours to fully develop and the nicotine to integrate evenly. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed. Avoid exposure to sunlight or heat, which can degrade both flavour and nicotine quality.

Step Five: Fill Your Device and Test the Mix
Once mixed and shaken, your Bar Series shortfill is ready to use. Fill your tank or pod as usual. If the flavour tastes muted at first, it may need a little more time to settle. Shortfills are designed for sub-ohm tanks, RDAs, or devices that handle thicker high-VG liquids, so make sure your coil and wattage settings are appropriate.

Bar Series shortfills generally have a 70VG/30PG ratio, producing dense vapour and smooth flavour. If your device is designed for smaller pod systems or lower wattages, you may prefer to use Bar Series nic salts instead, which are thinner and better suited to such setups.

How to Calculate Nicotine Strength
To help you understand how mixing changes the nicotine strength, here is a simple calculation example.

• One 10ml 18mg nic shot added to 100ml shortfill gives approximately 1.5mg strength.
• Two 10ml 18mg nic shots added to 100ml shortfill give approximately 3mg strength.

The exact nicotine strength depends on the base volume and shot concentration, but these general values apply to most 100ml bottles.

If you prefer a lighter nicotine feel, one shot will be enough. If you used to smoke more frequently or are coming from a 10mg nic salt, two shots will give you a closer experience to moderate strength vaping.

Storing Your Mixed Shortfill
After mixing, always store your e-liquid correctly. Keep the bottle in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. If you mix more than you plan to use immediately, ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation, which can darken the liquid and affect taste. Properly stored shortfills can last 12 to 24 months, depending on ingredients and conditions.

Tips for a Perfect Mix
Shake before every use, especially if the bottle has been sitting for several days. The heavier VG content can settle slightly over time, so shaking ensures consistent performance. Always use clean equipment when transferring liquid to your tank. Avoid mixing different brands of e-liquid unless you understand their base ratios, as this can affect consistency and coil lifespan.

If you accidentally overfill your shortfill with nic shots, you can still vape it safely, but the nicotine strength will be slightly higher than intended. Always record how many nic shots you added for reference.

Why Mix Shortfills Instead of Buying Nicotine E-Liquids?
Mixing shortfills with nic shots offers several advantages. It allows users to buy e-liquid in larger volumes, which is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It also gives control over nicotine levels, so you can gradually reduce your intake without changing flavours or brands. Finally, it avoids the plastic waste generated by multiple 10ml bottles, contributing to a more sustainable vaping habit.

Bar Series shortfills deliver the same intense and fruit-forward flavours that made their nic salts range popular. The larger format lets you enjoy them for longer, without sacrificing taste quality or smoothness.

Safety Notes
Nicotine is a stimulant and should be handled carefully. Always wash your hands after handling nicotine shots. Keep all e-liquids out of reach of children and pets. If you spill any liquid, wipe it up immediately with tissue or a damp cloth. Never vape pure nicotine shots by themselves; they must always be diluted with e-liquid.

Conclusion
Mixing a 100ml Bar Series shortfill with nic shots is a straightforward process that offers flexibility and value for adult vapers. By understanding the correct ratios, handling nicotine safely, and following proper mixing steps, you can enjoy a smooth, satisfying vape tailored to your preference. Whether you choose one shot for a lighter touch or two for a stronger hit, the result is a consistent, flavourful e-liquid that performs beautifully in sub-ohm setups.

The Bar Series shortfill range combines convenience, cost-efficiency, and bold taste, making it a solid choice for experienced vapers looking to personalise their nicotine intake. With proper mixing and care, your shortfill can deliver a long-lasting and enjoyable experience that rivals any pre-mixed e-liquid on the market.