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If you've ever bought a shortfill e-liquid and wondered how to add nicotine to it — or if you're building your own e-liquid from scratch — you've almost certainly come across AuNic. It's one of the most widely stocked nicotine shot brands in South Africa, and for good reason.

This guide covers everything you need to know about AuNic nicotine shots: what they are, what's in the range, how to use them, and how to pick the right one for your device and vaping style.

What is AuNic?

AuNic is a nicotine shot brand formulated specifically for DIY vapers and shortfill mixing. The name is a straightforward nod to its purpose — pure, quality nicotine in a format that works across every common mixing scenario.

Where AuNic stands out is the breadth of its range. Most nicotine shot brands offer one or two options. AuNic covers all four key variables a vaper needs to consider: nicotine type (salt or freebase), base liquid (VG or PG), concentration, and bottle size. That means whether you're mixing a 100ml cloud-chasing shortfill or a small 30ml MTL juice, there's an AuNic shot built for your exact recipe.

The AuNic range explained

Salt nicotine shots

Salt nicotine uses benzoic acid to lower the pH of nicotine, making it dramatically smoother to inhale — even at high concentrations. This is the format used in most prefilled pods and disposable vapes, and it's the best choice for pod system users and anyone transitioning from smoking.

AuNic Salt Nicotine Shot (VG) — 15ml A compact shot ideal for smaller shortfills or topping up a mix that just needs a small nicotine boost. The VG base keeps the liquid thick and vapour-rich — perfect for 70VG/30PG and 80VG/20PG shortfills.

AuNic Salt Nicotine Shot (VG) — 30ml The larger format for bigger batches. If you're working with 60ml shortfills in 100ml bottles, two of the 15ml shots or one 30ml shot gives you the same result with less fuss. Good for vapers who mix regularly and want to reduce how often they reorder.

Freebase nicotine shots

Freebase nicotine is the original, most common form of nicotine used in e-liquids. It has a higher pH than salt nicotine, which means a more pronounced throat hit — something many experienced vapers actively prefer. It's the correct choice for sub-ohm tanks, rebuildables, and any direct-to-lung (DTL) device.

AuNic Freebase Nicotine Shot (PG) — 10ml A PG-based freebase shot designed for balanced or flavour-forward shortfills. PG carries flavour compounds more efficiently than VG, so this shot is popular in 50/50 and 60VG/40PG mixes where taste is the priority. The 10ml size is standard for most 60ml shortfills.

AuNic Freebase Nicotine Shot (VG) — 15ml Freebase in a VG base — giving you the throat hit of freebase with the cloud production of VG. This is a less common combination but a genuinely useful one for sub-ohm vapers who want a slightly higher VG ratio in their final mix without sacrificing the kick of freebase nicotine.

Salt vs freebase: which AuNic shot is right for you?

If you use a pod system or you're new to vaping, go with the AuNic Salt (VG). If you use a sub-ohm tank and enjoy a throat hit, go with the AuNic Freebase — PG if you want more flavour, VG if you want more vapour.

VG vs PG base: why it matters

The base of your nicotine shot affects the consistency, flavour, and vapour production of your final mix. Getting this right is just as important as choosing between salt and freebase.

VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is thick, slightly sweet, and produces dense vapour clouds. AuNic's VG-based shots suit 70VG/30PG shortfills and above. The AuNic Salt (VG) shots are the most popular choice for pod-friendly mixing.

PG (Propylene Glycol) is thin, flavourless, and an excellent flavour carrier. The AuNic Freebase (PG) shot works well in 50/50 and 60/40 shortfills, and because PG mixes so readily, it integrates into your liquid faster and more evenly.

A practical rule: match your shot base to your shortfill. If your shortfill is 70VG, use a VG shot. If it's 50/50, a PG shot is the more natural fit.

How to use AuNic nicotine shots: step by step

Using a nicotine shot is straightforward, but the steps below ensure you get a consistent result every time.

Step 1 — Check your shortfill bottle. Most shortfill bottles follow a standard format: an 80ml liquid in a 100ml bottle leaves exactly 20ml of empty space. That space is for your nicotine shot. A 60ml shortfill in a 100ml bottle takes two 20ml shots, or one 30ml AuNic Salt shot with a small amount of space remaining.

Step 2 — Choose your target nicotine strength. Using an online nicotine calculator (search "nic shot calculator"), enter your shortfill volume, your shot volume, and the concentration printed on your AuNic bottle. This tells you the exact mg/ml of your final mix.

Step 3 — Add the AuNic shot. Open your shortfill bottle, pour in the AuNic nicotine shot, and replace the cap or nozzle.

Step 4 — Shake for at least 60 seconds. Nicotine does not self-distribute, especially in VG-heavy liquids. Shake the bottle firmly for a full minute to ensure an even mix throughout.

Step 5 — Steep before vaping (recommended). Leave your mixed bottle in a cool, dark place for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the nicotine to fully integrate and the flavour to develop. The difference in smoothness is noticeable.

Step 6 — Vape and adjust. If the nicotine level feels too high or too low for your preference, adjust the shot size on your next batch. The AuNic range's multiple sizes make it easy to fine-tune.

Why vapers choose AuNic

Full range coverage. Salt and freebase. VG and PG. 10ml, 15ml, and 30ml. AuNic is one of the few nicotine shot brands in South Africa that covers every meaningful variable for DIY vapers — you don't need to mix and match between brands.

Consistent quality. Nicotine shots need to be consistent between batches. Variation in concentration, pH, or base quality directly affects your final vape. AuNic is formulated to pharmaceutical-grade standards to ensure each bottle performs the same as the last.

Accessible price point. Mixing your own nicotine into shortfills is already one of the most cost-effective ways to vape. AuNic keeps the entry cost low without cutting corners on formulation.

Wide availability. AuNic is stocked at vape retailers across South Africa — both in stores and online — making it easy to reorder without waiting on international shipping.

AuNic nicotine shots at a glance

Frequently asked questions

Can I use AuNic salt nicotine in a sub-ohm tank? Not recommended. Salt nicotine at 20mg–50mg in a high-powered device delivers nicotine much faster than most vapers can comfortably handle. Use AuNic Freebase at a lower concentration for sub-ohm setups.

Can I use AuNic freebase in a pod system? You can, but the throat hit at higher concentrations will be harsh. If you use a pod system, AuNic Salt is the better experience — it was designed for exactly this purpose.

How do I know how much nicotine is in my mix? Use a nicotine calculator. Enter your shortfill size, shot size, and shot concentration. The calculator gives you the exact mg/ml. Most experienced mixers target between 3mg and 6mg for freebase sub-ohm vaping, and 20mg to 50mg for salt pod vaping.

How long does an AuNic nicotine shot last once opened? Nicotine oxidises when exposed to air, heat, and light. Once opened, use your AuNic shot promptly. Store any unused portion in a cool, dark place with the cap secured. Sealed bottles have a shelf life of up to two years when stored correctly.

Is AuNic available in different nicotine concentrations? AuNic shots are sold at a fixed concentration per variant. Check the label of the specific shot for the exact mg/ml — this is what you'll use in your nicotine calculator to determine your final mix strength.

The bottom line

AuNic nicotine shots are a practical, reliable choice for anyone mixing their own e-liquid in South Africa. The range is broad enough to cover every common vaping setup — from beginner pod users adding their first nic shot to experienced DIY mixers fine-tuning a high-VG sub-ohm recipe.

If you're new to mixing, start with the AuNic Salt Nicotine Shot (VG) 15ml — it's the most forgiving format and suits the majority of pod systems out of the box. If you're an experienced vaper who prefers a throat hit, the AuNic Freebase (PG) 10ml is the standard choice for sub-ohm shortfills.

Either way, you're getting one of the most complete nicotine shot ranges available locally — and that's exactly why AuNic has become a staple on vape shop shelves across the country.

Nicotine is an addictive substance. AuNic nicotine shots are intended for use by adult vapers only. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Concentrated nicotine is toxic on skin contact — handle with care and wash hands after use.