How to Add Nicotine to Kingston Shortfills

Kingston shortfill e-liquids are supplied without nicotine, allowing you to add compatible nicotine shots if you prefer vaping with nicotine. Whether you're trying Kingston for the first time or moving from ready-mixed e-liquids, it's worth understanding how nicotine shots work before preparing your bottle.

In this guide, we'll explain how to add nicotine to Kingston shortfills, what to look for when choosing nicotine shots and the common mistakes to avoid when mixing your e-liquid.

What Are Kingston Shortfill E-Liquids?

Kingston is known for its extensive selection of UK-made shortfill e-liquids, covering everything from rich fruit blends and cooling menthol to desserts, sweets and drinks-inspired flavours. Unlike smaller bottles of ready-mixed nicotine e-liquid, Kingston shortfills contain nicotine-free vape juice, with compatible nicotine shots added separately where the bottle has sufficient space.

The original Kingston 70/30 collection, for example, features 100ml nicotine-free shortfills with a 70VG/30PG formulation designed for compatible sub-ohm vaping equipment.

Adding nicotine is optional, so you can also use Kingston shortfills at their original 0mg strength.

How Many Nicotine Shots Should You Add to Kingston Shortfills?

The number of nicotine shots you need depends on three things:

• The amount of e-liquid: How much nicotine-free Kingston shortfill you're starting with.

• The nicotine shot strength: Common options include 18mg/ml and 20mg/ml.

• Your preferred final strength: The nicotine concentration you want after mixing.

You'll also need to check how much additional liquid your bottle can accommodate. Not every shortfill bottle has the same available space, particularly across different product formats.

Remember that adding nicotine shots increases the total volume of e-liquid. This means the resulting nicotine strength will be lower than the concentration printed on the nicotine shot bottle.

For detailed calculations, including how different shot strengths affect your finished e-liquid, read our How Many Nic Shots Do I Need? Complete Shortfill Mixing Guide.

How to Add Nicotine to Kingston Shortfills

Once you've calculated the amount of nicotine required and checked your bottle's available capacity, adding nicotine shots is relatively straightforward.

Check your Kingston shortfill: Confirm the e-liquid quantity, bottle capacity and VG/PG ratio.

Choose compatible nicotine shots: Check their nicotine strength and make sure they're suitable for your intended mixture.

Remove the cap and nozzle: Open the shortfill bottle carefully, following the packaging instructions.

Add your nicotine shots: Pour in the calculated quantity without exceeding the bottle's maximum capacity.

Secure the bottle: Replace the nozzle and cap, checking that both are fitted correctly.

Shake thoroughly: Mix the nicotine shots and e-liquid until the contents are evenly combined.

Check before vaping: Make sure the bottle is securely closed and your finished e-liquid is compatible with your vape kit.

Nicotine liquid should be handled carefully. Avoid skin contact, clean up spills promptly and keep all e-liquids and nicotine shots securely away from children and pets.

Choosing the Right Nicotine Shots for Kingston E-Liquids

When choosing nicotine shots, it's important to consider both the nicotine strength and the VG/PG ratio.

Nicotine Strength

Nicotine shots are commonly available in 18mg/ml and 20mg/ml strengths. The amount you add will determine the nicotine concentration of your finished Kingston e-liquid. A stronger nicotine shot doesn't necessarily mean you'll end up with a high-strength e-liquid, as the nicotine is diluted when mixed with the original shortfill.

Always calculate your intended final strength before adding anything to the bottle.

VG/PG Ratio

Kingston's original 70/30 shortfills contain 70% vegetable glycerine (VG) and 30% propylene glycol (PG), making them suitable for compatible sub-ohm devices. Nicotine shots are available in different VG/PG ratios, and the type you choose can affect the consistency of your finished mixture.

High VG nicotine shots are often a practical choice for customers who want to maintain a VG-heavy formulation. Adding a thinner 50/50 nicotine shot will change the overall ratio, although the extent depends on how much is added. If you're using Kingston 70/30 shortfills with a sub-ohm tank or kit, check that your finished mixture remains suitable for your equipment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mixing Kingston Shortfills

Preparing a Kingston shortfill doesn't need to be complicated, but there are a few things worth checking.

Adding too many nicotine shots

Always calculate the quantity you need rather than adding extra shots to increase the strength. Too much additional liquid can exceed the bottle's capacity and change the finished mixture.

Assuming every bottle has the same space

Kingston offers different shortfill formats, so don't assume the same number of nicotine shots will fit every bottle. Check the product packaging before mixing.

Using the wrong nicotine strength

An 18mg nicotine shot contains less nicotine than a 20mg shot of the same volume. This difference affects the strength of your finished e-liquid.

Forgetting to shake the bottle

Nicotine shots need to be mixed thoroughly with the original shortfill. Secure the cap and shake the bottle well before filling your vape tank.

Overlooking device compatibility

Kingston's high VG shortfills are designed for suitable sub-ohm equipment. Adding nicotine shots doesn't automatically make them appropriate for every vape kit, particularly smaller pod systems designed for thinner e-liquids.

Can You Use Kingston Shortfills Without Nicotine?

Kingston shortfills are supplied nicotine-free, so you don't have to add nicotine shots. If you prefer vaping without nicotine, you can use the e-liquid as supplied, provided it's suitable for your device and coils.

This also means you can enjoy Kingston's flavour selection without changing the original shortfill formulation.

Shop Kingston Shortfills at UK Vape Supply

From the classic fruit combinations in the original 70/30 collection to Kingston's wider selection of dessert, menthol and sweet-inspired flavours, there's plenty to explore at UK Vape Supply. Browse our Kingston Shortfill E-Liquid range or discover more options in our Kingston collection.

With competitive prices, regular multibuy offers, loyalty points and fast UK dispatch on orders placed before 2pm, UK Vape Supply makes it easy to stock up on your preferred Kingston shortfills.