Nuka-Cola

Nuka-Cola, produced by the Nuka-Cola Corporation, was the most popular soft drink in the world before the Great War. After the War, many bottles of this pre-War favorite still survived, and Nuka-Cola remains one of the most popular soft drinks of the post-apocalyptic world. Their bottle caps are also famously used as currency, along with Sunset Sarsaparilla and Vim.

Background
The Nuka-Cola Corporation 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. Inspired by his brand's success, Bradberton decided to open an amusement park dedicated to soft drink. Nuka-World opened on May 1, 2050, less than a year after ground was broken for its construction.

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 corporation was founded. 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.

Despite the setbacks, the popularity of the brand only continued to grow as time went by. For example, when the Nuka-Girl rocketsuit was released in 2062, the costumes sold out immediately and stores couldn't keep up with the demand. By 2067, Nuka-Cola was omnipresent, available from vending machines on almost every street in the United States. Even the outbreak of the Sino-American War failed to stop Nuka-Cola Corporation's expansion. In fact, it continued apace, with a fourth park opening on schedule in Nuka-World. Safari Adventure was commonly considered at the time to be a crowning achievement of Bradberton's company, having taken seven years to build and housing several hundred exotic animal specimens from around the world, including polar bears, alligators, gorillas, and venomous snakes. The completion of the park also marked the start of covert experimentation at Nuka-World. The underground facilities of Safari Adventure contained a Nuka-Gen genetic replicator unit, capable of creating perfect genetic copies of animals or even growing new creatures based on the genetic sequence provided (faulty genetic sequences will be accepted, but can result in creatures coming out inside out and then exploding).

In 2072, Nuka-World opened its last attraction, Galactic Zone. While ostensibly showcasing the future of the United States and all the technologies that would usher it in, Bradberton used the Zone as a bargaining chip to turn Nuka-World into a refuge in case of the looming nuclear war. Through a sponsorship deal with the military and cooperation with RobCo Industries at the Battlezone, Nuka-World was permitted to use military-grade robotics at the Galactic Zone, ranging from the humble protectron to the sentry bot and assaultron series, disguised as demilitarized replicas. Every robot was controlled by a cutting-edge STAR mainframe, which would allow Bradberton to maintain a robotic army to defend Nuka-World and himself from outside forces. To bolster his personal security, a private sanctuary was built beneath Nuka-Town USA by Vault-Tec, using the latest in Vault construction technology.

Bradberton went beyond corporate deals and favors when it came to ensuring his own survival. On March 13, 2076, when General Braxton requested the services of Bradberton's Beverageers, a team of world-class organic chemists developing new tastes and additives to the soft drink, Bradberton made a bargain: In exchange for his chemists aiding the military's chemical weapons program, he would be provided with access to the military LEAP-X (Life Extension And Prolongation) Program. He pooled his immense fortune and embezzled funds from Nuka-World's budget to cover the expense of the LEAP-X project, including the salaries of the researches he hired to ensure the prototype device works. Though the park staff complained about the cutbacks and the resulting decrease in park safety, Bradberton prioritized his own safety over that of the visitors or his staff. The military did not complain, as in October, the head of the chemical weapons program 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.. As the drink landed on the shelves, Bradberton took the last step in attaining immortality: He was beheaded. The LEAP-X program couldn't preserve more than 15 pounds (roughly 7 kg) of organic mass, corresponding to the weight of a human head. Permanently installed in his personal Vault beneath Nuka-Town, the now immobile Nuka-Cola CEO handed over corporate affairs to Peyton Huxley, his Executive Assistant.

The Nuka-Cola Corporation ceased to exist six months later, although its legacy would live on: 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.

Nuka-Cola


Nuka-Cola was the most popular flavored soft drink in the United States before the Great War. After the War, Nuka-Cola remains one of the most popular soft drinks of the post-nuclear world, as much of it was 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.

Ice cold Nuka-Cola


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. 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 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 than in the Capital Wasteland, however.

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.

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 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.

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. 

Nuka-Cola Orange


 An orange-flavored version of Nuka-Cola, easily distinguished by its orange bottle and the orange slice on its label. 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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-Fruitti 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 boon 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.