Different ingredients have different lifespans, just like your leftover pizza vs. that salad you forgot about. Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange hold up the longest—up to 48 hours in the fridge before the peel makes the water taste bitter.
Soft fruits like berries, melon, or mango start breaking down in about 12 to 24 hours. They turn the water cloudy and a little “fuzzy” in texture. Cucumber, mint, and basil are the divas—they last only 12 to 18 hours before turning limp and slimy.
Herbs and citrus together? That’s your Goldilocks combo: just right for about a day. Strawberries alone? Be ready to drink them within 12 hours or toss the batch.
How Long Does Fruit-Infused Water Last? » The Kitchen Professor
