Nuka Cola Quantum

From the Fallout 3 and New Vegas video games 

 

By popular demand, beloved readers, here’s a video game soft drink classic: Nuka-Cola Quantum from Fallout 3! For those unfamiliar, Fallout is Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic RPG, set in an alternate-history USA that was obliterated by nuclear war sometime after the 1950s. In this world, Nuka-Cola was invented in 2044 and quickly became the most popular soft drink around. Supposedly, it contains 17 different fruit essences, giving it an unmistakable and irresistible flavor.

 

Then came Nuka-Cola Quantum, a next-level version featuring an 18th fruit essence—pomegranate—along with a delightfully nutritious mildly radioactive strontium isotope. 

 

Now, how does one recreate a glowing, radioactive soda with entirely artificial flavoring? That was a puzzle. But hey, I love a good challenge. Since Hawaiian Punch and Blue Raspberry Sunny Delight are basically pure artificial fruitiness, they made the perfect base. Some tonic water to make it have that glow. I added pomegranate seltzer to make it uniquely Quantum, and the rest is pretty self-explanatory.

 

So, get ready to boost your Action Points by 20—and maybe your radiation levels by 10!

 

Supplies

• Small LED light (optional)
• Scotch Tape (optional)
• Old Fashioned Soda Bottle (optional)
• Nuka Cola Quantum Label (optional)

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 ounces Hawaiian Punch (the blue kind, or a mix of the blue and purple kinds)
• 2 1/2 ounces Blue Raspberry Sunny Delight (or other blue raspberry soft drink)
• 6 ounces Pomegranate Seltzer (you can also use Tonic Water to make it UV reactive but it will make the taste bitter)
• 1 ounce Vanilla Syrup (or to taste)
• Caffeine Additive (optional)

Directions 

1. In a mixing glass or bowl, stir together all ingredients except the seltzer.
2. Pour into a serving cup or bottle of choice. You may need to use a funnel. 
3. Add seltzer to fill. Give it a quick stir with a straw.
4. Attach the printed Nuka-Cola Quantum label to the bottle with tape. 
5. For a glowing effect, tape a small LED light to the bottom of the bottle, light side facing up.

 

Makes 1 Drink

^ This is the color of the drink in normal lighting.

This recipe has been updated for clarity and convenience. Adjustments include replacing outdated ingredients, scaling up to a standard 12oz soda size, and taking advantage of the wider availability of flavored seltzers. However, I’ve aimed to preserve the essence of the original recipe as much as possible!