NUKA-COLA SYRUP:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups water
• 3 cups sugar
• Zest and juice of ½ orange
• Zest and juice of ½ lime
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cardamom pods
• ½ teaspoon coriander seed
• 2 star anise
• ¼ cup browning sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the water, sugar, orange zest, lime zest, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, coriander seeds, and star anise in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved and then bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mixture into an airtight container.
5. Add the orange, lime, and lemon juices (about 1/4 cup juice total) to the strained mixture.
6. Mix in the browning sauce and vanilla extract.
7. Allow the mixture to cool, then cover the container and store it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 2 weeks.

TO MAKE AN ICE-COLD GLASS OF NUKA-COLA:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup seltzer water
• Ice

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour 1 cup of seltzer water into the glass.
3. Add 5 to 7 tablespoons of Nuka-Cola syrup to the glass.
4. Stir the mixture together to combine the syrup and seltzer water.
5. Enjoy your refreshing homemade Nuka-Cola!

Variations of the Nuka-Cola syrup:

1. Cherry Nuka-Cola Syrup:
   • Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved, during the simmering process.
   • You can replace the browning sauce with cherry juice for a cherry-infused twist.
   • Strain the syrup and mix in a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Spiced Nuka-Cola Syrup:
   • Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a few whole cloves during the simmering stage.
   • Experiment with different spices like allspice, ginger, or even a touch of black pepper for a unique twist.
3. Mint Nuka-Cola Syrup:
   • Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the simmering mixture.
   • After straining, mix in a teaspoon of peppermint extract to intensify the mint flavor.
   • This variation would pair exceptionally well with the seltzer water, giving you a refreshing minty soda.
4. Citrus Blast Nuka-Cola Syrup:
   • Increase the citrus flavors by adding grapefruit or tangerine zest and juice along with the existing citrus ingredients.
   • Consider using a different type of citrus fruit for a distinct flavor profile.
5. Vanilla Cream Nuka-Cola Syrup:
   • Add a vanilla bean pod or a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste to the simmering mixture for a creamy undertone.
   • Swap the browning sauce with caramel sauce or dulce de leche for a caramel-vanilla flavor combo.
6. Berry Fusion Nuka-Cola Syrup:
   • Incorporate a blend of mixed berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries during the simmering process.
   • Opt for a darker sweetener like molasses instead of browning sauce for a richer flavor.
7. Maple Spice Nuka-Cola Syrup:
   • Replace part of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deep, natural sweetness.
   • Add a touch of ground cloves and nutmeg to enhance the warm spice notes.
8. Coconut Nuka-Cola Syrup:
   • Infuse coconut flavor by adding a splash of coconut extract or a few tablespoons of coconut milk during the simmering stage.
   • This variation would give your Nuka-Cola a tropical twist.