Formulation and use and manufacture thereof

A pharmaceutical composition, comprising:

• nicotine free base, at least one flavoring agent, at least one sweetener, at least 60% (w/w) water, and at least one buffer, present in an amount sufficient to transiently increase the pH of liquid in the oral cavity of a subject by from about 0.3 to about 4 pH units;
• the composition having an alkaline pH;
• and
• the composition being formulated for administration to the oral cavity of a subject by spraying, dropping, or pipetting to effect transmucosal uptake of nictotine without chewing or sucking.