The length of time a 1.25-liter bottle of iced tea stays frozen when taken out of the freezer and carried in a cool bag can vary depending on several factors:
Initial Temperature: The colder the iced tea is when taken out of the freezer, the longer it will stay frozen. If the iced tea is close to its freezing point, it will take longer to thaw.
Insulation Quality: The effectiveness of the cool bag in maintaining the bottle's temperature will play a significant role. A well-insulated cool bag will keep the bottle colder for a longer period.
Ambient Temperature: The outside temperature also matters. If it's a hot day, the iced tea will thaw more quickly compared to a cooler day.
Cool Bag Environment: If the cool bag is opened frequently or exposed to direct sunlight or warm surfaces, the ice inside the bag will melt faster.
Size and Shape of the Bottle: A larger surface area may cause the iced tea to thaw faster, as more of the liquid is exposed to the surrounding temperature.
Given these variables, it's challenging to provide an exact time frame, but I can offer a general estimate. In a well-insulated cool bag on a moderate temperature day (around 20°C/68°F), a 1.25-liter bottle of iced tea might stay frozen for approximately 2 to 4 hours. However, this is just an approximate estimate, and the actual time may vary based on the factors mentioned above.
If you need the iced tea to stay frozen for an extended period, consider using additional cooling elements like ice packs or adding more ice to the cool bag. Always check the iced tea's temperature regularly, and consume it promptly to avoid any risks associated with consuming thawed and then re-frozen beverages.