Most store-bought lemonade is already pasteurized, which means it has been treated to kill any harmful bacteria that could potentially spoil the beverage. This means that, technically, you could theoretically drink store-bought lemonade right off the shelf - no refrigeration necessary. However, many people still choose to refrigerate their store-bought lemonade, as this can help to keep the beverage colder for longer periods of time. Additionally, the act of refrigerating lemonade can help to preserve its flavor and prevent it from going bad as quickly.
If you're making homemade lemonade, however, it's important to take a few extra precautions to ensure that your beverage is safe to drink. First and foremost, you'll want to make sure that your lemons are clean - wash them thoroughly with soap and water before using. Next, you'll need to make sure that your water is clean and safe to drink; using filtered or distilled water is always a good idea. Once your lemonade is made, it's important to refrigerate it as soon as possible; this will help to keep harmful bacteria from growing and causing the lemonade to spoil.
So, does lemonade need to be refrigerated? It depends. Store-bought, pasteurized lemonade is technically safe to drink right off the shelf, but many people still prefer to refrigerate it. If you're making homemade lemonade, however, it's important to take a few extra precautions and always refrigerate the beverage as soon as possible.
How long does lemonade last in the fridge?
Assuming you are talking about store bought lemonade in a pitcher, it should last about a week in the fridge. If you make homemade lemonade, it will only last a few days because there are no preservatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade lemonade last?
Preserved lemonade that is Household-Grade or Sterilized will last for about 3 months in the fridge and about 6 months in the freezer.
Does freshly squeezed lemonade go bad?
Freshly squeezed lemonade should be stored in a cool, dark place. If it does go bad, it can give off an unpleasant odor and flavor.
Should you refrigerate Mike’s Hard Lemonade?
Yes, you should refrigerate Mike’s Hard Lemonade if you want to preserve its flavors and carbonation.
What is the best way to store lemon juice?
Best way to store opened lemon juice is in the fridge.
Does Lemonade last longer than freshly squeezed lemon juice?
Bottled lemonade lasts longer than freshly squeezed lemon juice as a rule of thumb. This is because bottled lemon juice contains more preservatives than homemade lemonade.
