Now, back to the question at hand: how long can lemon water sit out? The answer is, it depends on a few factors, like the temperature of the room, the quality of the lemons, and whether or not you've added any sugar or sweeteners to the mix. But as a general rule of thumb, lemon water can sit out for around 2-3 hours at room temperature before it starts to lose its potency and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you're storing your lemon water in the fridge, however, you can extend its shelf life to around 24 hours. That's right, folks, you can make a big pitcher of lemon water on Sunday night and still be sipping on it Monday evening. Just be sure to give it a good stir before drinking, because lemon slices can settle at the bottom of the pitcher and make the water taste bitter.
Glass Of Water With Lemon Juice
And don't even get me started on the dangers of overheating your lemon water. If you leave it sitting in direct sunlight or near a heat source, the bacteria can multiply like crazy, turning your poor lemon water into a petri dish. So, be sure to keep it in a cool, dark place to prevent any bacterial growth.