Nicnic Nic Ice Shot 70VG 18MG

Overview

The Nicnic Nic Ice Shot 70VG 18MG by NicNic at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Nicnic Nic Ice Shot 70VG 18MG overview

The Nicnic Nic Ice Shot 70VG 18MG is a 10ml nicotine shot from NicNic, made for vapers who buy 0mg shortfill e-liquid and add their own nicotine. Instead of selling you a finished bottle at one fixed strength, a nicotine shot gives you a concentrated liquid at 18mg/ml in a 70VG/30PG base that you pour into a larger bottle of unnicotined e-liquid. Once shaken and rested, the mix becomes a full-size bottle at a strength you chose yourself. This particular shot carries an ice profile, which means it brings a cooling character into the blend instead of acting as a neutral, flavourless base.

Why do shots exist at all? UK rules limit nicotine-containing e-liquid to 10ml bottles and a maximum of 20mg/ml. That cap applies across the whole category, including refill liquids, nic salts and the disposables that used to be common before single-use vapes were banned in Great Britain. A 10ml limit is workable for a small pod kit, but it is awkward if you vape heavily from a sub-ohm tank, because you would be buying and emptying several tiny bottles every week. Shortfills solve the problem by shipping the liquid in a bigger bottle without nicotine, with empty headspace left for you to add shots. The shot is the legally sold nicotine component that completes the recipe.

This page walks through what is in the bottle, how it behaves, how to mix it properly, which hardware suits it and where it makes sense compared with other ways of getting your nicotine. It is written for adult UK vapers who already know their way around a refillable tank. If you are brand new to vaping, read the sections on strength and mixing carefully, because a shot is a concentrate and it behaves very differently from a ready-to-vape bottle.

• Brand: NicNic
• Product type: 10ml nicotine shot (e-liquid additive)
• Nicotine strength: 18mg/ml, so 180mg of nicotine in the full 10ml
• VG/PG ratio: 70VG/30PG
• Profile: ice, a cooling note rather than a heavy flavour
• Intended use: added to 0mg shortfill e-liquid, then shaken and left to settle

The nicotine shot is not a ready-to-vape liquid. Do not put it straight into a tank at 18mg/ml unless you know exactly what you are doing and have a device designed for that strength.

What is in the bottle: 70VG, 18mg and 10ml explained

Three numbers define this product, and each one has a practical meaning once you start mixing. The first is 10ml, the bottle size. This is the maximum container size the UK allows for e-liquid that contains nicotine, so every nicotine shot on the market comes in this volume. The second is 18mg/ml, the strength of the liquid inside. The third is 70VG, the proportion of vegetable glycerine in the base, with the remaining 30 per cent being propylene glycol and flavouring.

Doing the arithmetic helps. At 18mg/ml, a full 10ml bottle holds 180mg of nicotine in total. Dilute that into 60ml of finished liquid and you end up with 3mg/ml. Dilute it into 110ml and you end up with roughly 1.6mg/ml. The nicotine in your bottle never changes, only the volume it is spread through, which is why shot-and-shortfill mixing is so flexible. You can choose between a gentle 1.5mg or 3mg mix and a firmer 6mg mix just by changing how many shots go into how much shortfill.

Vegetable glycerine is a thick, slightly sweet liquid that produces dense vapour and a smoother throat feel. Propylene glycol is thinner, carries flavour well and delivers the sharper throat hit that many ex-smokers look for. A 70VG base leans clearly towards vapour production and smoothness, and it matches the ratio used in the large majority of modern shortfills, so the final mix stays close to the ratio the shortfill was designed around. If your shortfill is 70VG/30PG, the combined bottle stays at 70VG/30PG. If it is 50VG/50PG, the finished mix lands at roughly 53VG/47PG, which is still comfortable for most sub-ohm and restricted-lung tanks.

The remaining ingredients are the nicotine itself, a small amount of flavouring that creates the ice effect, and in some cases trace water. Check the printed label on your bottle for the full ingredient list, batch number and best-before date. UK law requires a health warning on the label that nicotine is highly addictive, and these bottles use child-resistant, tamper-evident closures for the same reason: this is a concentrated nicotine product that should be stored well out of reach of children and pets.

One practical point is worth repeating. The 18mg/ml figure is the strength of the shot on its own. It is not the strength of the finished mix. Always calculate the final strength before you vape, and write it on the bottle with a marker so you do not lose track of it later.

Performance and vapour delivery

A nicotine shot is a component rather than a finished product, so the performance you notice depends on the shortfill you pair it with and the device you vape it in. Even so, the shot has a clear effect on three things: vapour density, throat feel and how quickly your nicotine cravings are met.

Vapour density. The 70VG base is thick, and when added to a shortfill it nudges the finished blend towards a higher VG ratio. In a sub-ohm tank running a mesh coil, this translates into dense clouds with a soft, round exhale. In a restricted-lung tank with a tight airflow, a high-VG blend can feel a little heavy and may wick more slowly, so open the airflow slightly or raise the wattage a notch if you notice the coil struggling.

Throat feel. At a finished strength of 3mg/ml, which is what one shot gives in a standard 50ml shortfill, most sub-ohm vapers describe a light throat hit with plenty of flavour room. At 6mg/ml, produced with two shots in a larger mix, the hit is firmer and more noticeable, and it works better in tanks that restrict airflow. The ice component adds a cool sensation at the back of the throat that can make a mix feel crisper even at lower strengths.

Nicotine delivery. Free-base nicotine, which is what this shot contains, is absorbed more gradually than nicotine salts and is better suited to the larger, cooler vapour of a sub-ohm device. Do not expect the quick, concentrated kick that nicotine salts give at 10mg or 20mg in a pod kit. This is a steadier delivery profile that suits all-day vaping in smaller, more frequent sessions.

For a sense of scale, a typical sub-ohm vaper might get through somewhere between 3ml and 6ml of liquid a day, though consumption varies widely depending on coil size, wattage and habit. A single 10ml shot mixed into a 60ml bottle at 3mg/ml therefore represents roughly ten to twenty days of vaping for many people. Heavier users will sometimes double the shot count in a 100ml or 120ml mix to keep the finished strength the same while stretching the bottle across a longer period.

• Dense vapour from the 70VG base, particularly in mesh-coil tanks.
• Light to moderate throat hit at 3mg/ml, firmer at 6mg/ml.
• Cooling sensation that stays in the background rather than overpowering the main flavour.
• Smooth, gradual nicotine delivery suited to larger vape sessions.

The ice flavour profile

Ice is a descriptor you will see across the vaping industry, and it usually means a cooling effect created by dedicated cooling agents rather than the sharp, minty taste of peppermint or spearmint oil. In a nicotine shot, the ice note is deliberately restrained. The shot is not designed to be the main flavour in your mix. It is designed to cool and lift whatever flavour the shortfill already provides, which is why it works best when mixed with a recipe that benefits from freshness.

In practice, expect a clean, light cooling feel on the inhale that lingers briefly on the exhale. You will probably notice it most in the first few puffs after mixing, then settle into it as the nicotine and flavour integrate. Because it is a shot, the cooling effect is diluted by the shortfill. In a 60ml mix, the shot makes up around one-sixth of the volume, so the ice character is mild. If you want a more noticeable chill, use a second shot in a larger mix, or pair it with a shortfill that already contains menthol or cooling agents of its own.

Shortfill flavours that tend to pair well with an ice shot include:

• Fruit blends: berry, watermelon, grape, peach and citrus recipes all gain a refreshing finish. This is the most natural fit.
• Fizzy drinks and slushies: cola, energy drink and frozen-style recipes already lean on cooling notes, so the shot reinforces them.
• Mint and menthol: pairs cleanly with the cooling effect and extends it, though the combined result may feel quite strong.

Flavours that tend to clash include creamy desserts, custards, bakery recipes and tobacco blends. A cold sensation sitting over a warm, buttery or roasted flavour can make both elements feel muddled. If you vape those styles, a flavourless nicotine shot is usually the better choice, and you would be better off using a different shot rather than this ice variant.

Flavour perception is personal, and sensitivity to cooling agents varies. Some vapers find even a lightly cooled mix slightly sharp in the throat, particularly at higher strengths. If that sounds like you, start with a single shot in a larger bottle, vape it for a day or two, and adjust from there.

Design and build quality

Nicotine shots look simple, but the packaging is where a lot of the practical quality sits. This product follows the standard format used across UK nicotine shots: a 10ml plastic bottle with a narrow nozzle, a tamper-evident seal and a child-resistant cap that you need to press and turn to open. The label carries the legally required nicotine health warning, the nicotine content, the ingredients, the batch number and the brand details.

When your order arrives, it is worth running through a quick inspection before you start mixing. A well-made bottle should feel firm and not brittle, the cap should seat snugly, and the tamper-evident ring should be intact. The label should be legible and fully attached. If anything looks wrong, such as a cracked bottle, a loose cap, liquid around the neck or a broken seal, do not use it and contact the retailer straight away with your order number and photos.

Here is what to look for in practice:

• Narrow nozzle: allows you to pour the shot into a shortfill bottle with little mess, though a steady hand is still useful. Squeeze gently rather than forcefully, as the bottle is flexible.
• Child-resistant cap: an important safeguard for a concentrated nicotine product. Always reclose it fully after use, even if you plan to use the bottle again later.
• Clear labelling: the strength and ratio are printed on the bottle, which helps if you keep several different shots in the same drawer.
• Opaque or tinted plastic: protects the liquid from light, which can degrade flavour over time. Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.

There is no screen, battery or electronic component here, so build quality refers entirely to the bottle, cap and seal. If you buy several shots at once, store them upright and keep a mixing log with the date, the shortfill you used, the number of shots and the final strength. It is a small habit that saves a lot of confusion later, particularly if you rotate between flavours.

The empty bottle is a small piece of plastic packaging that can usually go into your household recycling once it is fully empty, dry and the cap is removed. Check your local council guidance, as rules about nicotine residue and small plastic bottles differ between areas. Never pour leftover concentrated liquid down a drain or onto the ground.

Battery, charging and coil pairing for your device

The shot itself has no battery to charge, so the question here is about the hardware you pair it with. A well-matched device gets the best from a high-VG, 18mg-derived mix and keeps the experience consistent from the first tank to the last.

Battery and charging. Most sub-ohm and refillable kits use either an internal rechargeable battery, often somewhere in the 1,500mAh to 3,000mAh range for compact pods and box mods, or external 18650 or 21700 cells. If your device has an internal battery, charge it over USB-C using the cable supplied, from a standard wall adapter rather than an unknown high-output fast charger. If you use external cells, keep them in a case when carrying them, use a dedicated charger and replace any cell with torn wrapping. Never leave batteries charging unattended overnight. When a battery eventually reaches the end of its life, take it to a UK drop-off point such as a supermarket battery bin or your local household waste recycling centre. Lithium cells should never go in general waste, where they can cause fires in bin lorries.

Coil types. A 70VG mix is thick, so it works best with coils designed for high-VG liquids:

• Mesh sub-ohm coils (about 0.15 to 0.6 ohm): large wicking surface and plenty of wick ports, designed for 3mg/ml and lower mixes at roughly 40 to 80 watts depending on the coil.
• Regular sub-ohm coils (about 0.3 to 0.8 ohm): suitable if you prefer slightly warmer vapour and modest wattage.
• Restricted direct-lung coils (about 0.6 to 1.0 ohm): a good fit for 6mg/ml mixes, with tighter airflow and a more cigarette-like draw.

Higher VG content produces more residue on the coil, and sweet or cooled liquids can darken a coil faster than unsweetened ones. Plan to replace the coil every one to two weeks with regular use, and prime a new coil with a few drops of liquid directly on the cotton before filling the tank. Wait five to ten minutes before your first puff to avoid dry hits.

If you use a small pod kit designed for nicotine salts or a very tight mouth-to-lung draw, a 70VG blend may wick too slowly through the coil. In that case a 50VG/50PG shortfill, mixed with this shot, would be a better starting point. Check your manufacturer's recommendation for maximum VG ratio before filling.

Choosing your final nicotine strength

Choosing the right strength is the most important decision with any shot. Too low and you will vape more than you should chasing satisfaction. Too high and the throat hit feels harsh and you may feel lightheaded or queasy. Because the shot is 18mg/ml, you control the final strength with two simple variables: how many shots you add and how much shortfill liquid you start with.

The table below uses a UK-standard 50ml shortfill in a 60ml bottle, or a 100ml shortfill in a 120ml bottle, which is how most shortfills are packaged.

• 1 shot in 50ml shortfill (60ml total): 3mg/ml. A common starting point for sub-ohm vaping.
• 2 shots in 100ml shortfill (120ml total): 3mg/ml. The same strength, with a larger volume to last longer.
• 1 shot in 100ml shortfill (110ml total): about 1.6mg/ml. A very light mix, suitable for those stepping down.
• 2 shots in 50ml shortfill (70ml total): about 5.1mg/ml. You will need a bottle larger than 60ml to hold the combined volume.

As a rough guide for adult smokers moving to vaping, a lighter smoker might begin around 3mg/ml in a sub-ohm tank, while a heavier smoker may want something near 6mg/ml, ideally in a tighter, restricted-lung device. If you are currently using 12mg/ml or higher and want to match that level in a larger bottle, shots become impractical, because you would need a large number of them. In that situation, nicotine salts in a pod kit or pre-mixed 10ml bottles are a more sensible choice.

Remember that the UK cap of 20mg/ml applies to products sold with nicotine, and 18mg/ml shots sit below that cap. Your own home mix is not sold, but it is sensible to stay well below that same limit for your own safety. There is no benefit in pushing strength higher than you need, and heavy nicotine intake from large clouds at high strength can be unpleasant.

If you are unsure, start low. You can always add another shot to a bottle the next time you mix, but you cannot easily take nicotine out once it is in. Give yourself two to three days at a new strength before making any further change, because your body takes a little time to adjust to a different level. If you are trying to reduce your nicotine over time, lowering strength in small steps is generally easier than stopping suddenly, and the NHS stop smoking services in your area can give free, personalised support.

Who it is for, and who should skip it

The Nicnic Nic Ice Shot suits a specific type of vaper, and it is not a good fit for everyone. Being honest about this saves you money and frustration.

It is likely a good fit if you:

• Are an adult smoker or existing vaper who already uses a refillable sub-ohm or restricted-lung tank.
• Buy 0mg shortfills in 50ml or 100ml sizes and want to control your own nicotine strength.
• Prefer fruity, fizzy or minty flavours that benefit from a cooling finish.
• Like the idea of paying for nicotine separately, rather than paying a premium for each pre-mixed bottle.
• Are comfortable measuring, mixing and labelling bottles at home.

It is probably not the right choice if you:

• Have never vaped before and are not currently a smoker. Nicotine is addictive, and vaping is intended to help existing smokers switch, not to be taken up by people who do not use nicotine.
• Are under 18. It is illegal to sell nicotine products to anyone under 18 in the UK, and retailers carry out age checks.
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a heart condition. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using any nicotine product.
• Use a small closed pod system designed for pre-filled pods or nicotine salts. The shot will not suit these devices.
• Dislike cooling flavours or have a sensitive throat. A flavourless shot would suit you better.
• Want a ready-to-vape bottle straight out of the box. A pre-mixed 10ml liquid is simpler and less prone to measurement errors.

Vaping is not risk-free, but it is considered substantially less harmful than smoking tobacco for adults who switch fully. The goal for most people is to reduce or eventually stop nicotine use altogether. A shot gives you the flexibility to step down gradually: move from two shots to one, then to a lighter mix, then to zero nicotine at your own pace.

If you vape primarily in public spaces or need maximum discretion, remember that larger sub-ohm tanks produce visible vapour, and the rules on vaping in workplaces, trains and public buildings are set by the property owner or operator. Check the rules where you are before using your device.

How to use it: step-by-step mixing

Mixing a nicotine shot into shortfill takes a few minutes, and a careful approach avoids spills, wasted liquid and incorrect strength. Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting, wash your hands before and after, and keep the bottles away from children and pets throughout.

• Step 1, check the headspace. A standard 60ml shortfill bottle contains 50ml of liquid and has roughly 10ml of empty space for one shot. A 120ml bottle holding 100ml of liquid has room for two shots. If your bottle is full to the neck, do not try to squeeze more in.
• Step 2, prepare the shot. Shake the 10ml bottle gently, remove the child-resistant cap by pressing down and turning, and check that the nozzle is clear.
• Step 3, open the shortfill. Remove the cap and, if it has one, pull out or twist off the nozzle tip according to the bottle design. Place the shortfill upright on a stable surface.
• Step 4, pour in the shot. Squeeze gently so the liquid goes in a steady stream rather than splashing. Empty the shot completely, then give it a few extra squeezes to push out the last drops.
• Step 5, reseal and shake. Refit the nozzle and cap tightly, then shake firmly for 30 to 60 seconds so the nicotine and flavour combine evenly.
• Step 6, label the bottle. Write the final strength, the date and the number of shots on the label or a small sticker. Do not skip this, as it is easy to forget later.
• Step 7, rest the mix. Leave the bottle upright for a few hours, or ideally overnight, then shake again. Thick high-VG blends are slow to fully integrate, and a short rest improves consistency.
• Step 8, fill your tank. Fill through the designated port, avoid covering the central airflow tube, and prime a new coil before the first use.

Never add shots to a bottle that already contains nicotine unless you have calculated the combined strength first. Never mix with household liquids or unknown additives. Wipe away spills immediately with a damp paper towel, and wash your skin with soap and water if nicotine liquid touches it. If liquid gets into your eyes or if you swallow any, seek medical advice straight away, and keep the packaging so you can show it to a healthcare professional.

When you have finished with the empty shot bottle, let it drain, rinse the cap and bottle separately only if your local council permits it, and place it in household recycling where accepted. Many UK vape shops also run drop-off points for empty containers and used vape hardware, so ask at your nearest store.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most problems with shot-based mixes are easy to diagnose once you know where to look. The causes usually come down to strength, ratio, coil condition or mixing technique.

• The throat hit is too harsh. The final strength may be higher than you expected. Recalculate using the formula: shots multiplied by 180mg, divided by total volume in ml. If it is above your comfort level, dilute with extra 0mg liquid, or switch to a lower strength next time. Also check whether you are vaping at a higher wattage than the coil is rated for, which can sharpen the hit.
• The mix tastes weaker than the shortfill did alone. Adding a shot dilutes the flavour slightly, and the cooling effect can mute fruity notes if the shortfill is subtle. Use a shortfill labelled as a high-flavour recipe, or accept a slightly lighter profile. You can also reduce the number of shots and raise the wattage a little.
• The vape is too cold or too minty. You may have combined this ice shot with a shortfill that already includes strong cooling agents. Try a flavourless shot next time, or dilute with extra shortfill.
• Dry hits or burnt taste. High-VG liquids are thick, so wicking can lag behind if the coil is poorly primed, the tank is nearly empty or the wattage is too high. Prime the coil, keep the tank at least a third full, take shorter puffs with longer breaks, and lower the power slightly.
• The coil is dying quickly. Sweet, cooled, high-VG liquids deposit residue on the coil faster. Replace the coil more often, and avoid chain vaping at high wattage.
• Leaks from the tank. Thinner mixes leak more easily than thick ones, but a loose seal or overfilled tank can cause leaks with any liquid. Check the O-rings and tighten the base.
• The bottle looks cloudy or has separation. This usually resolves with a firm shake and a few hours of rest. If the liquid stays cloudy, smells unusual or has particles floating in it, do not use it, and contact the retailer.
• Bottle too full after pouring. This happens when the shortfill bottle was already filled above its stated volume. Transfer the combined liquid into a larger clean bottle rather than forcing the cap on.

If a problem persists and you cannot identify the cause, remove variables one at a time: swap the coil, try a different shortfill, or reduce to a single shot. Keep notes on what changes the result.

Value for money

Price comparisons involving shots depend on the shortfill you pair them with, so it helps to think in terms of cost per millilitre of finished liquid rather than the cost of the shot alone. Check the current price shown on this page, because retail pricing changes over time and from promotion to promotion.

The basic economics are simple. A 50ml shortfill is typically sold at a lower price per ml than 10ml pre-mixed nicotine bottles, because the larger container, the absence of nicotine and the lower production overhead all reduce cost. Adding a single shot brings the total volume to 60ml and gives you a full-strength bottle. Combined, the shortfill and shot normally work out cheaper per millilitre than buying six separate 10ml pre-mixed bottles of the same brand and flavour, and you only handle one container.

The saving grows with volume. A 100ml shortfill plus two shots makes 120ml of finished liquid. If you vape regularly, that can reduce your monthly liquid spend noticeably, and it also reduces the number of plastic bottles you throw away. For occasional vapers, the saving is smaller, because a single bottle lasts a long time and the time spent mixing may not feel worth it.

It is worth being clear about what you are paying for with this particular shot:

• Nicotine at a consistent strength: 18mg/ml across 10ml is a standard UK shot strength, which makes it easy to compare with other brands.
• A modest cooling profile: the ice note adds something that a plain unflavoured shot does not, though this is a matter of taste rather than a technical advantage.
• Flexibility: you decide the final strength, and can lower it gradually over time as your needs change.

Where value falls short: if you do not like cooling flavours, a neutral shot at a similar price is a better buy. If you only use a pod kit, pre-mixed nic salt bottles are cheaper and simpler. If you routinely use strengths above 6mg/ml, the number of shots you would need makes the arithmetic less attractive.

Shortfill-and-shot mixing also gives you better stock control. You can keep several 0mg shortfills in different flavours and one or two shots in reserve, then mix a fresh bottle only when you need it. That reduces the risk of a half-finished bottle going stale before you reach the end of it.

How it compares with the alternatives

Fair comparison means acknowledging that no single nicotine format suits every vaper. Here is how a 70VG 18mg ice shot sits against the main alternatives available to UK vapers.

• Against flavourless nicotine shots. A neutral shot adds nicotine without altering the flavour of the shortfill. If you want your recipe to taste exactly as the manufacturer intended, a flavourless shot is the safer pick. The ice version trades that purity for an added cool finish. If you enjoy fruity or fizzy recipes, the trade is worthwhile. If you vape desserts or tobacco, it is not.
• Against 50VG/50PG shots. A 50/50 shot has a sharper throat hit and thinner consistency, and it wicks more easily in small pod kits. It also produces less vapour. If you use sub-ohm tanks and want large clouds, 70VG is generally the better match. If you use a tight mouth-to-lung setup, a 50/50 shot may be easier on the coil.
• Against 100VG shots. These deliver very dense vapour and an ultra-smooth feel, but the thick consistency can cause wicking problems in many tanks. A 70VG shot is a reasonable middle ground for most mainstream devices.
• Against nicotine salt shots. Nic salt shots, normally at 10mg or 20mg per ml, are designed for low-wattage pod kits and deliver a faster, smoother hit at high strengths. They are not interchangeable with a free-base 18mg shot. If you use a pod kit, a salt-based product is the right choice.
• Against pre-mixed 10ml e-liquids. These are simpler, with no mixing, no measuring and no risk of getting the strength wrong. They cost more per millilitre and generate more packaging. If you vape lightly, a pre-mixed bottle may be easier overall.
• Against other branded ice shots. Several UK brands sell cooled nicotine shots at similar strengths and VG ratios. Differences tend to come down to the intensity of the cooling effect, the quality of the bottle and nozzle, and the price. NicNic is a recognised name in the shot category, and the specification here matches the common 70VG/18mg format, so the main reason to choose it over a rival is availability and price on the day.

The honest summary: this shot is a straightforward, well-specified product for vapers who already use shortfills in sub-ohm tanks and like cooled flavours. It does not do anything that a rival 70VG 18mg ice shot would not also do, but it also does not fall short of that standard. Choose it if you like the profile and the price works for you, and choose a different type of nicotine product if your device or taste points elsewhere.