Nuka-Cola

Nuka-Cola is the flagship product of the Nuka-Cola Corporation and one of the symbols of United States culture. Introduced in 2044, it rapidly dominated the soft drink market, eventually becoming the most popular soda on the market and a staple of American culture. Bottled and distributed nationwide, Nuka-Cola was available in such numbers that not even two centuries after the Great War put a stop to all bottling operations, Nuka-Cola bottles can still be found in the wastelands in quantity. In the aftermath of the Great War, Nuka-Cola bottle caps became the de facto currency in most post-war societies.

Background
Nuka-Cola entered the beverage market in 2044, with the invention of the soft drink by John-Caleb Bradberton after two years of experimentation. Though strictly unhealthy (containing 120% of the recommended daily allowance of sugar), it took the United States market by storm and within a year it could be purchased nationwide. Its popularity rapidly increased and within several years it was the most popular beverage across the globe.

The constant drive to improve and innovate the formula resulted in numerous flavor variations, with the most popular ones like Cherry, Grape, and Orange released just a few years after the drink debuted. Whenever the company encountered competition, it would attempt to deal with it aggressively. Cherry and Grape variants of the Nuka-Cola were patents acquired by the company after identifying individual competitors. In other cases, the Corporation would attempt to buy out competitors, as was the case with Sunset Sarsaparilla in 2058 and Vim! Pop Incorporated in 2077. Failing that, it would attempt to release a competing drink accompanied by a massive promotional campaign. After attempts to acquire Sunset Sarsaparilla failed, Nuka-Cola attempted to directly compete with it through Nuka-Cola Wild and the opening of Dry Rock Gulch at Nuka-World. Though it gained a respectable popularity in the American Southwest, it failed to match that of the Sarsaparilla.

The latest Nuka-Cola taste variant was created in October 2076, as the head of the chemical weapons program instigated by John Caleb-Bradberton reported that his team created an isotope of strontium-90 that could be reliably weaponized, as coating for power armor, a custom munition for the prototypical M42 Fat Man, or even an area effect weapon that could be safely deployed from something as simple as a Thirst Zapper. It could also be used "somewhat safely" in a new kind of Nuka-Cola. Bradberton ordered it to be put into production, as the Nuka-Cola Quantum (named after the isotope designation in the Beverageer's system).

Quantum was fast-tracked through the approval process, presented as the culmination of a three year research program. To create an isotope safe for human consumption, focus groups were used to test various variants of the Quantum isotope. After numerous casualties (at least 62 test subjects died as a result of organ failure, with many more hospitalized with radiation burns; families were provided with Nuka Condolences Fruit and Cheese Packages that contained liability waivers), a safe isotope was created and the first cases of Nuka-Cola Quantum hit the market in select cities on the East Coast, like Boston and Washington, D.C..

Even after the War obliterated the parent corporation, Nuka-Cola would continue to be the most popular soft drink on the North American continent, available in almost limitless quantities. Despite being warm and flat, it holds the allegiance of many and continues to addict wastelanders.

Ingredients
The unique taste of Nuka-Cola is the result of a combination of seventeen fruit essences, balanced to enhance the classic cola flavor. The balance is precarious and minute adjustments can affect it severely. Such was the case when the freshly launched Nuka-Cola was reformulated in response to the Great Passion Fruit Famine of 2044 and consumers noticed the change in flavor.
 * Carbonated water
 * Sugar or aspartame
 * Caffeine
 * Phosphoric acid
 * Citric acid
 * Caramel color
 * Potassium benzoate
 * Natural flavorings

Nuka-Cola contains excessive amounts of caffeine and 120% of the recommended daily value of sugar, making it decisively unhealthy for extended consumption.World of Refreshment tour: "Welcome to the Nuka-Cola World of Refreshment, now featuring a river of Nuka-Cola Quantum! Nuka-Cola Quantum: Twice the calories, twice the carbohydrates, twice the caffeine, and twice the taste! And just look at that amazing, patented blue glow! So sit back and enjoy the ride as we take you through the Nuka-Cola World of Refreshment! Nuka-Cola began its journey in the year 2042 when our founder, John-Caleb Bradberton, was a budding chemist. He dreamt of a delicious soft drink that would provide energy, focus and 120% of the recommended daily value of sugar! ''It took almost two years to perfect the formula, but in late 2044, Mr. Bradberton was finally successful and Nuka-Cola was born! It quickly surpassed other, lesser beverages to become America's number-one favorite soft drink. Not one to rest on his laurels, Mr. Bradberton and his team of talented "Beverageers" continued to create new and exciting formulas. Out west, they enjoy regional favorites such as the classy Nuka-Cola Quartz and refreshingly patriotic Nuka-Cola Victory. Or, for those that prefer a timeless root-based beverage, they pick up a delicious Nuka-Cola Wild! While out here on the east coast, folks delight in the refreshment of an ice-cold Nuka-Grape, Nuka-Orange, or Nuka-Cherry. And be on the lookout for our special pre-release shipments of Nuka-Cola Quantum coming soon to your favorite grocer or restaurant! Hey Mom and Dad, are you ready for a night out on the town? Then pick up an ice-cold Nuka-Cola Dark and experience the most thirst-quenching way to unwind. Nuka-Cola Dark: that refreshingly familiar Nuka-Cola taste with a light alcoholic twist. 35% alcohol by volume. Do not consume Nuka-Cola Dark if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Do not operate motor vehicles or heavy machinery for at least 8 hours after drinking. But this isn't just a ride, it's one of several operational factories actively producing Nuka-Cola. Here in the mixing area, we combine just a hint of 17 select fruit flavors to produce that unique Nuka-Cola taste. Here in the bottling chamber, we carefully pour each delicious liquid into our new, space-age rocket bottles! Each bottle is carbonated and then sealed with one of our signature bottle caps. And now for a special surprise, this is where we produce the newest member of our family, Nuka-Cola Quantum! That blue glow isn't just for show, folks! Quantum contains a top-secret additive to give you a "nuclear" boost of energy! On behalf of all of us at Nuka-World, we hope you've enjoyed the ride and learning more about Nuka-Cola!"'' (World of Refreshment announcer's dialogue) To counter the negative image, it was marketed as being fortified with vitamins, minerals, and "health tonics." Intensive consumption can cause Nuka-Cola addiction, which can lead to splitting headaches if Nuka-Cola isn't consumed on a regular basis.

Bottling
The iconic curved Nuka-Cola bottle was used by the company ever since its introduction in 2044. The Dazzling Blue color of the glass was popular with consumers: Market research in 2052 indicated that 86 out of 100 polled consumers chose blue as their favorite color.

Nuka-Cola was forced to replace the curved design with a rocket-shaped bottle in 2077. It was the result of long-running litigation over patent infringement, a case that the Nuka-Cola Corporation lost. However, consumers reacted positively to the new Space Age bottle and Nuka-Cola's sales increased even further.

Nuka-Cola was also distributed in soda fountains and cans, although these forms of distribution were far less popular than the iconic bottle.

Distribution
The surge in popularity led to Nuka-Cola spreading nationwide. By 2067, there was a vending machine on almost every street in America, offering regular Nuka-Cola and any of its variants. Popularity of its variants strongly depended on the region, with western states strongly favoring Nuka-Cola Quartz, Victory, and the root-beer flavored Wild (competing with Sunset Sarsaparilla). More urbanized eastern states favored classic tastes, such as Nuka-Grape, Nuka-Cola Orange, and Nuka-Cherry.

Competitors
Nuka-Cola became a nationally-recognized brand through a combination of aggressive marketing and hostile corporate practices, including takeovers and undermining its competition. The preferred approach was to acquire popular local sodas and rebrand or remarket them as Nuka-Cola variants. Such was the case with two of its flagship flavors, Nuka-Cherry and Nuka-Grape, originally Merle's Very Cherry Soda and Grape-Pearl Soda.

Larger companies were typically more resilient and rebuffed Nuka-Cola advances. A particularly notable case is Sunset Sarsaparilla, a root beer popular in the southwestern United States. When negotiations with the company fell through in 2058, Nuka-Cola attempted to compete by launching a rival soda, Nuka-Cola Wild.

Another notable competitor is Vim! soda, a popular Maine drink. Owned by a single family, Vim! repeatedly refused offers from Nuka-Cola. In response, the company sued Vim! for copyright infringement (over the new Vim! Quartz soda) and committed industrial espionage and sabotage of its operations, effectively immune to prosecution thanks to John-Caleb Bradbertons ties with the government and the military.

Variants
Numerous other variants of the classic Nuka-Cola were introduced, offering different flavors and taste profiles. Although the classic Nuka-Cola remained the most popular, alternative, fruit-flavored beverages were typically an instant success. Its popularity endured long after the Great War destroyed the Nuka-Cola Corporation, partly thanks to the sheer number of bottles and cans produced, and partly due to its pleasant flavor. Even when warm, flat, and irradiated, it's the soft drink of choice for many wastelanders.

Those unable to procure genuine Nuka-Cola bottles can homebrew the drink, with denizens of the southwest able to approximate the taste and properties with Nevada agave and barrel cactus.

Notably, Nuka-Cola is best served chilled. Common before the war, ice cold Nuka-Colas are a luxury item after the Great War, due to the scarcity of working refrigeration units. Though flat, chilled Nuka-Cola is the recommended way of drinking it.

Nuka-Cola


Nuka-Cola was the most popular flavored soft drink in the United States before the Great War. After the War, Nuka-Cola is still one of the most popular soft drinks of the post-nuclear world, as large quantities of it were preserved in a fairly pristine state, although it tends to be warm, irradiated, and flat. In Fallout 4, Nuka-Cola bottles take on a newer look.

Nuka-Cola (ice cold variants)


Ice cold Nuka-Cola is a rare wasteland commodity that is the result of placing a bottle of Nuka-Cola in a functioning refrigeration unit. It may be chilled, but it is still irradiated and flat.

Nuka-Cola Quantum


In 2077, a new version called Nuka-Cola Quantum was introduced. According to the advertisements, it had twice the calories, twice the carbohydrates, twice the caffeine and twice the taste. To make it stand out more on the shelves and to give it an extra kick, the Quantum included a mild radioactive strontium isotope (and an eighteenth fruit flavor - pomegranate). The effect was a drink that not only boosted your energy, but also glowed with a bright blue light. While no ill effects were recorded by the Food and Drug Administration, the isotope also caused the drinker's urine to glow for almost a week.

Reports that can be obtained in the Nuka-Cola plant show that product development had not been without failures and casualties. All of the testers of the first batch died soon after consumption. The company found a suitable isotope in strontium-90 after replacing the previous Strontium-85 isotope, citing that the "synthesis process too costly." The product was made in small experimental groups, which were then sent out around Washington, D.C. for feedback. Unfortunately, while the product was being sent out for response, some of the packages were caught out in the Great War.

Nuka-Cola Quantum was officially released to the public the same day the bombs dropped: October 23, 2077. Because of this, Nuka-Cola Quantum is incredibly rare in the wasteland, with many bottles found in trucks that were shipping the product, ravaged by the bombs. It is more common in the Commonwealth and West Virginia than in the Capital Wasteland, however. At least in the Commonwealth, there were special "pre-release" shipments delivered to certain grocers and restaurants, accounting for its greater availability.

The Quantum substance had originally been created as a secret weapon under the research of the Doctor Rex Meacham, sponsored by the army. He managed to finish the project before his death, soon after the bombs dropped. His research can be used to create Quantum ammunition for the Thirst Zapper, which make blue radioactive explosions that can disintegrate the target as well as Nuka Quantum grenades. After gaining the schematics, and related launcher, from John-Caleb Bradberton's private vault, the Sole Survivor can use Quantum to create enhanced mini nukes.

Nuka-Cola Quantum is also used to speed up processes in Fallout Shelter, such as Wasteland return speed and crafting time.

Nuka-Cola Clear
The company began to develop a product called Nuka-Cola Clear, with "only minimal loss of life." The formula and some entries on a research terminal can be found in the Nuka-Cola plant, but it never made it into production. In Nuka-World there is a holodisk about Nuka-Cola Clear on Bradberton's desk in his office. There is also a terminal entry indicating that Clear is modified from an existing product called Sharon's Downhome Country Lemon. The drink was never released due to the cost, but was planned to at least two fiscal years later.

Nuka-Cola Cranberry
Nuka-Cola Cranberry was developed involving the ingredient cranberries, and was advertised mainly in the Cranberry Bog region of Appalachia. It is unknown if the flavour was ever officially released.

Nuka-Cola Black
Nuka-Cola Black is a flavor of Nuka-Cola with a coffee base which was planned to be replaced with dextromethamphetamine. It is unclear whether it ever had a public release, only being mentioned on a terminal in the Kanawha Nuka-Cola plant. It was given the product code name "Walrus."

Nuka-Cola Quartz


Nuka-Cola Quartz is a flavor of Nuka-Cola. In a similar sort of situation to Nuka-Cola Quantum. It is a clear drink with a white tint and glow. This version of the soft drink also gives the drinker low-light vision, much like the effects given after taking Cateye. The Nuka-Cola Corporation had a trademark battle with Vim! Pop Incorporated over the "Quartz" trademark, since Vim was also selling a drink known as Vim Quartz. Nuka-Cola won the battle. This flavor was given the product code name "Angry Beaver."

Nuka-Cola Victory


Nuka-Cola Victory is another flavor of Nuka-Cola. It is colored orange, giving it a distinct look, much like Nuka-Cola Quantum.

Nuka-Cherry


 Nuka-Cherry is a cherry-flavored variant of Nuka-Cola with red coloring that was distributed in the vicinity of Boston and West Virginia. 

Nuka-Cola Orange


 An orange-flavored version of Nuka-Cola, easily distinguished by its orange bottle and the orange slice on its label. It also contains pear brandy as part of its flavor base and trace amounts of arsenic to cut its intense aftertaste. Strangely, some element in its make-up causes it to temporarily boost a drinker's resistance to radiation. The only known supplies of this brand of the drink that remain in the wasteland are those contained within the boundaries of the Nuka-World theme-park in the Boston Commonwealth, as well as sold within the Whitespring Resort in Appalachia. It was given the product code name "Fur Seal." 

Nuka-Cola Dark


 Distinguished by its namesake deep black color, Nuka-Cola Dark is an alcoholic variation of the popular soft-drink boasting 35% alcohol by volume. The only known supplies of this intoxicating sweet drink that remain in the wasteland are those contained within the boundaries of the Nuka-World theme-park in the Boston Commonwealth, or early access to the product in the Whitespring Resort. 

Nuka-Cola Wild


 Nuka-Cola Wild is a root-beer-flavored drink that was meant to compete with Sunset Sarsaparilla. It comes in a red bottle and is marked with a red-orange label bearing the legend "Nuka-Wild". The only known supplies of this brand of the drink that remain in the wasteland are those contained within the boundaries of the Nuka-World theme-park in the Boston Commonwealth and in the Whitespring Resort in West Virginia. 

Nuka-Grape


 Easily distinguished by its purple-on-purple color scheme and the grape-bunch featured on its label and bottlecap. As its name suggests, Nuka-Grape is a grape-flavored variant of Nuka-Cola. The only known supplies of this brand of the drink that remain in the wasteland are those contained within the boundaries of the Nuka-World theme-park in the Boston Commonwealth and in the Whitespring Resort in West Virginia. 

Cherry Nuka-Cola


Cherry Nuka-Cola is a variation of regular Nuka-Cola. After it was introduced, it turned out that nobody liked the taste. This resulted in a marketing disaster for the company, which quickly attempted to save the brand by introducing the Classic Nuka-Cola, tasting exactly like the original, but in a new bottle. The story of its introduction, rejection, and replacement by Classic Nuka-Cola mimics that of New Coke.

Classic Nuka-Cola


Classic Nuka-Cola tastes exactly like the original Nuka-Cola, but comes in a new bottle. It was an attempt at saving the brand after the marketing disaster that was Cherry Nuka-Cola.

Yellow Nuka-Cola


Yellow Nuka-Cola is a "variation" of regular Nuka-Cola, both yellow in color and with an "interesting" smell. In Chicago, during the Brotherhood of Steel's reign, there were reports of this strange yellow Nuka-Cola. However, it was quickly identified as a substance designed by a "mad naked man" who "made water." Considering this, and the fact that it's poisonous to anyone naive enough to actually drink it, it is apparent that the so-called cola is in fact a generous helping of urine.

Fusion Cola


Phil, the Nuka-Cola dude, had the thankless job of riding around the Wasteland with his bike and refilling all of the Nuka-Cola machines that littered it. It was a tradition passed down (rather stupidly) from generation to generation. Phil was not impressed and doesn't like Nuka-Cola that much. It is rumored that he had something called Fusion Nuka-Cola, a unique, unknown taste which was created by fusing together some Nuka-Cola dregs into a concentrated essence.

Crafted at Nuka-mixer station
 Any of these drinks can be improved by chilling them in Buddy, resulting in an ice cold variant. While some are statistically identical to their warm counterparts, others provide an improvement to the drinks effect on the drinker's metabolism, resulting in increased health and action point bonuses.

Officially registered recipes
Such was the popularity of Nuka-Cola and its influence over Pre-War American culture, that not only did the company produce its own soft drink-themed amusement park, but one of the draws was the opportunity to create new Nuka-Cola recipes by mixing together various existing Nuka-Cola products at a Nuka-mixer station. The most successful mixes were recorded and written down, obviously intended to later be "officially" created by the company and distributed. Before the bombs dropped, some fifteen distinct recipes had been derived from park-goer experimentation:


 * Nuka-Berry: A cocktail of regular, Cherry and Grape flavored Nuka-Cola, creating a distinctly mixed fruit flavor. As an added bonus, something about it helps purge the body of a drastic amount of radiation, in addition to refreshing and providing an energy boost.
 * Nuka-Bombdrop: Building on the foundation of Nuka-Cola Dark, this ultra-alcoholic cocktail adds in a shot each of bourbon, rum and vodka to the already alcoholic Nuka-Cola Dark, then adds a dose of plain Nuka-Cola to balance it out. It provides a massive surge of physical energy, temporarily boosting a drinker's strength, endurance and agility.
 * Nuka-Cide: The ultimate Nuka-Cola mixer, this greenish drink combines normal, Quantum, Victory, Quartz, Cherry, Dark, Grape, Orange and Wild Nuka-Cola into one single concentrated batch. This incredible brew provides a mind-boggling surge of adrenaline, massively restoring energy and providing temporary numbness to pain, increased energy reserves, and resistance to radiation.
 * Nuka-Cooler: Combines the three "special edition" flavors of Quantum, Quartz and Victory. Although mildly radioactive, this lime-green soft drink provides an insanely potent boost in energy levels.
 * Nuka-Frutti: An "ultimate fruit-flavored edition" mixer, this takes a shot of normal Nuka-Cola and blends it with a shot of Cherry, Grape, and Orange. Although very refreshing, it's most useful in the wasteland for both purging radiation in a drinker's body and providing a temporary radiation resistance boost.
 * Nuka-Hearty: An especially nourishing blend that uses a tato and a carrot flower mixed into a cocktail of Nuka-Cola and Nuka-Cola Dark.
 * Nuka-Lixir: Combining regular and Orange Nuka-Cola with a dose of Med-X creates a cocktail that not only refreshes, but also acts a painkiller.
 * Nuka-Love: A pink Nuka-Cola created by blending Nuka-Cherry with Nuka-Cola Quartz. It provides a significant energy boost and some refreshment, but is most unique for its color.
 * Nuka-Power: Mixing two parts Nuka-Cola Dark and one part Nuka-Cola, this brew strangely enhances the drinker's ability to carry weight, letting them haul much larger loads.
 * Nuka-Punch: A more intense version of Nuka-Frutti created by using a shot of Nuka-Cola Quartz as the base instead of Nuka-Cola. Blood red and mildly luminescent in color, it purges radiation, provides some refreshment and energy, and increases the drinker's basic reserves of health and energy.
 * Nuka-Ray: A blending of Nuka-Cola Orange and Nuka-Cola Victory, this bright yellow soft drink provides both a massive amount of refreshment and temporary resistance to radiation.
 * Nuka-Rush: A blending of Nuka-Cola Wild and Nuka-Cola Victory, this dark green soft drink is as refreshing as Nuka-Ray, but replenishes energy instead of providing radiation resistance.
 * Nuka-Sunrise: A refreshing, fruity beverage made by mixing Nuka-Cherry with Nuka-Cola Orange. It's mildly refreshing and grants some radiation resistance.
 * Nuka-Void: An intense cocktail created by blending Nuka-Cola Quantum with Nuka-Cola Dark. A dark purple-blue in color, it provides a small jolt of energy, mild refreshment, and bolsters the user's strength when it comes to hauling heavy loads.
 * Nuka-Xtreme: A blending of Nuka-Cola Grape and Nuka-Cola Quantum, balanced with a shot of regular Nuka-Cola. This strange purple soft drink gives off a greenish glow, purges a significant amount of radiation, and increases the drinker's reserves of health and damage.

Nuka-World raider recipes
Other recipes have been developed by the raiders dwelling in the park since the bombs dropped. These, however, an aspiring brewer must figure out for themselves. Some named mixtures include: 
 * Newka-Cola: A drink created by mixing Nuka-Cola and Nuka-Cherry. In addition to bolstering the drinker's metabolism, it also provides some amount of energy to the drinker.
 * Nuka-Buzz: More of a concentration than a mix, this drink is made with two bottles of Nuka-Cola Wild. Although it offers a smaller health boost than a single bottle of Wild, it provides more than twice as much energy without any of the radiation.
 * Nuka-Fancy: With one Nuka-Cola Wild and one Nuka-Cherry, this mix offers a respectable boost to the drinker's health and energy.
 * Nuka-Free: Created by applying dirty water to a normal bottle of Nuka-Cola, this mix manages to boost the soda's effect on the user's metabolism without irradiating them. However, it doesn't make them feel particularly energetic in the process.
 * Nuka-Twin: A combination of normal Nuka-Cola with Wild, improving the drinker's metabolism and energy level.

Gallery
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