Maybe you didn’t drink too much…
We’ve all been there: the throbbing headache, the queasy stomach, and the overwhelming urge to never touch alcohol again. It’s the dreaded hangover. But what if we told you that your favorite cocktail might be the culprit, and not that you had one too many?
The Shocking Truth
It turns out that many bars and restaurants are inadvertently serving up a concoction of bacteria, yeast, and mold along with your drinks. Juices, citrus, and bloody mary mix – the building blocks of countless cocktails – can quickly become breeding grounds for these unwanted guests when not stored and handled properly.
Imagine this: your bartender reaches into a fridge, grabs a plastic store and pour bottle of juice, and pours it into your drink. That bottle has likely been in and out of the fridge, over and over, for hours, providing the perfect environment for microbes to thrive. Or worse, it has been sitting out for hours at room temperature during the rush and no one but the bartender even realizes.
The Science Behind the Sickness
According to the FDA, leaving perishable juices out at room temperature for more than two hours can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. Even citrus juices, with their acidic nature, are not immune.
This is especially true at temperatures of 90 degrees or above, where it should only be left out for one hour.
Fruit juices have an acidic pH (<4.5), which can act as a barrier for microbial growth. However, pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella can survive in the acidic environment of fruit juices. Even citrus juice that is full of citric acid can harbor some pretty nasty microbes if not properly temperature controlled.
Other bacteria that can be found in temperature abused juices include: Cryptosporidium, Norovirus, Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium botulinum, Yeast, Hepatitis A. When a juice container is left out at room temperature, air and warmth can cause bacteria, yeasts, and molds to grow.
You might be thinking, “Alcohol kills germs, right?” Wrong. While alcohol can kill some types of mold, it’s not effective against bacteria. In fact, many alcoholic beverages contain alcohol levels too low to kill germs.
Your Role in the Solution
So, what can you do? First, become a more discerning consumer or a more proactive business owner/manager. Observe how your bars handle their juice and mixer storage. If you see bottles sitting out or being constantly moved in and out of the fridge, consider finding a new way of doing things.
Second, introduce the MAD Bottle to your life. This innovative stainless steel bottle keeps your drinks cold and prevents contamination and time/ temperature abuse, ensuring that your next cocktail is as delicious as it is safe.
Say Goodbye to Hangovers
By understanding the hidden dangers lurking in your drinks and taking steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy your favorite cocktails without the fear of a dreaded hangover. It’s time to reclaim your weekends and nights out.
Okay, so maybe you overdid it last night…
We get it. Your head feels like a bowling ball and your mouth is a Sahara desert. Fear not, dehydrated friend! We recommend using Liquid IV as your desert oasis. This miracle powder can turn your body into a hydration powerhouse. We’ve even experimented with turning it into a cocktail. Think Liquid IV Lemonade with a kick. It’s like a hydration station and happy hour had a baby.
Are you ready to take control of your drinking experience?