What is One Shot Liquid? A Comprehensive Guide
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At its core, a one shot liquid, in the context of vaping, is a pre-mixed concentrate of flavourings designed to be easily mixed with vegetable glycerine (VG), propylene glycol (PG), and nicotine to create a complete e-liquid. Imagine it as a ready-made recipe, formulated by experts, that takes the guesswork and complexity out of DIY e-liquid mixing. The term “one shot” implies that the flavour base is already perfectly balanced, needing only the addition of your chosen base liquids and nicotine to complete the process. This provides a convenient and straightforward way for vapers to enjoy complex, flavourful e-liquids without the hassle of experimenting with various flavour concentrates themselves. It essentially offers a bridge between commercially available e-liquids and the freedom of DIY mixing.
Understanding the Components of a One Shot
A one shot liquid is primarily composed of multiple flavour concentrates. These concentrates are carefully selected and blended to achieve a specific taste profile, whether it be fruity, dessert-like, tobacco, or any other flavour category. Manufacturers of one shots often spend considerable time and effort in developing recipes, experimenting with different ratios of individual flavourings, until they achieve the desired final product. This blend is then offered to vapers as a one shot concentrate, ready for dilution.
The remaining components that are required to finish the e-liquid are:
- Vegetable Glycerine (VG): A thick, sweet, and viscous liquid derived from vegetable oils. VG is responsible for the production of the vapour clouds when vaping.
- Propylene Glycol (PG): A thinner, odourless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. PG is a carrier for flavour and provides a more noticeable throat hit when vaping. It also helps to create a thinner e-liquid to improve wicking in vape devices.
- Nicotine (Optional): Usually added in the form of nicotine shots, to achieve the desired nicotine strength. Nicotine shots are unflavoured and usually come at a strength of 18mg/ml.
Why Choose One Shot Liquids?
One shot liquids have gained popularity for several reasons, mainly their convenience and consistency.
- Convenience: Vapers who like to mix their own e-liquids can sometimes get overwhelmed by the number of individual flavour concentrates, needing to do a lot of research into appropriate amounts to add. The process of calculating flavour percentages, while necessary when mixing with raw flavourings, is eliminated with one shots. You simply combine a pre-determined amount of the one shot with your chosen base liquids and nicotine.
- Consistency: Because one shot concentrates are carefully crafted recipes, you can expect consistent flavour profiles every time you mix. This removes the uncertainty and the potential of ending up with poor flavour combinations which can occur when experimenting on your own.
- Cost-Effective: In many cases, mixing your own e-liquids using one shot concentrates can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made e-liquids, especially if you are vaping frequently.
- Flexibility: While the flavour is pre-mixed, you still have control over the final PG/VG ratio and nicotine strength, allowing you to tailor the e-liquid to your specific preferences.
One Shot vs. Other DIY Options
It’s important to understand how one shots differ from other DIY e-liquid options, such as using individual flavour concentrates:
- One Shots vs. Individual Concentrates: With individual flavour concentrates, you need to understand the characteristics of each flavour, as well as the percentage of each that should be used, potentially leading to a lengthy trial-and-error process. One shot concentrates, in contrast, bypass this learning curve with a recipe already formulated for you.
- One Shots vs. Shortfills: Shortfills are bottles of e-liquid which contain 0mg of nicotine and have space left in the bottle for the addition of nicotine shots, these contain base e-liquid with all the flavours included. One shot concentrates on the other hand contain only the flavour concentrates, requiring additional base liquids to create a vapeable e-liquid.
- One Shots vs. Bottle Shots: Bottle shots are flavour concentrates that come in larger bottles. The user would then need to add the required VG and PG base. One shot concentrates are simply sold in smaller quantities such as 30ml, 90ml, 250ml and 1000ml volumes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About One Shot Liquids
Here are some common questions about one shot liquids to further assist you:
What exactly is in a one shot liquid?
A one shot liquid contains a pre-mixed blend of multiple flavour concentrates combined to form a specific flavour profile. It does not include VG, PG, or nicotine.
How do I use a one shot liquid?
Simply combine your one shot liquid with your desired amounts of VG, PG, and nicotine shots (if desired). Most suppliers will provide a recommended percentage to mix. Usually this falls in the region of 10 – 20% of the final product.
What is the recommended mixing ratio for one shot liquids?
The specific ratio will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendation, but it usually falls in the range of 10-20% of the total volume. Always check the product packaging or the supplier’s website for specific details.
Can I adjust the PG/VG ratio with one shot liquids?
Yes, you have full control over the PG/VG ratio when mixing with a one shot, allowing you to tailor the vape to your preferences for cloud production and throat hit.
How much nicotine should I add to a one shot liquid?
This depends on your preferred nicotine strength. Refer to our guidelines below for the correct amount of 18mg nicotine shots to add:
* 25ml shortfill: Add 1/2 of an 18mg nicotine shot.
* 50ml shortfill: Add 1 x 18mg nicotine shot.
* 100ml shortfill: Add 2 x 18mg nicotine shots.
For a one shot concentrate that requires you to add all the components of a final vape juice, nicotine should be added to a similar percentage as the total volume of your final mix, for example a 3mg e-liquid can be created by using about 5% of an 18mg nicotine shot.
Do one shot liquids require steeping?
While some one shot liquids are designed to be vaped immediately, many can benefit from steeping for a few days or weeks. Steeping allows the flavourings to fully blend and mature, resulting in a richer and more refined flavour. Check with the supplier or manufacturer regarding optimal steeping times.
Can I mix different one shot liquids together?
While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended to mix one shot liquids from different recipes as it might result in an unbalanced and unexpected flavour. However, you can experiment with your own creations with caution.
How long will a bottle of one shot liquid last?
The shelf life of one shot concentrates varies but is generally long when stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once mixed, e-liquid has a shorter shelf life, depending on the ingredients.
Are one shot liquids safe to use?
When purchased from reputable suppliers, one shot liquids are safe to use. Ensure that you are using the correct safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection, and take care when handling nicotine.
Can I use one shot concentrates in a pod system or sub-ohm tank?
Yes, one shot liquids are compatible with any vape device, but you need to mix your final e-liquid in the correct PG/VG ratio and desired nicotine strength, to suit the coil that you are using.
What if I don’t like the flavour of the one shot?
If you don’t like the taste of a particular one shot, you can try adjusting the concentration or steeping time. However, it may not be possible to fix an undesirable taste completely. Choosing well-reviewed and well-established brands or flavour ranges can help you pick a good option for you.
Are one shot liquids more cost-effective than buying pre-made e-liquids?
Generally, yes, one shot liquids, allow you to mix larger quantities of e-liquid at a lower cost per ml. This makes them a more affordable option for regular vapers.
Can I add additional flavour concentrates to a one shot?
Yes, you can experiment by adding small amounts of individual flavour concentrates. However, this may alter the intended flavour of the one shot. Exercise caution when adding to the pre-mixed flavours, as it can be easy to go overboard.
What’s the difference between one shot liquids and flavour concentrates?
One shot liquids are pre-mixed blends of multiple flavour concentrates, designed to be used as a complete flavour base for e-liquids. Flavour concentrates, on the other hand, are singular flavourings that require other flavours to be added to form a complete e-liquid recipe.
Where can I buy one shot liquids?
One shot liquids are widely available from online vape retailers and specialty shops. Ensure you purchase from reputable sources to guarantee quality and safety.
By understanding what one shot liquids are and how they work, you can make informed decisions about your vaping experience. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to create customised e-liquids, bridging the gap between pre-made products and the creative freedom of DIY mixing. Happy mixing!