Method for use in preparing a drink

Abstract

The present invention provides for a method for use in preparing a beverage including the steps of introducing a herbal substance into a liquid, which is at an elevated temperature and for the infusion of the said substance therein, allowing the product of the infusion to cool, and then freezing the cooled infused liquid into readily separable ice blocks.

1 . A method for use in preparing a beverage, comprising: 
 introducing a herbal and/or vegetable and/or fruit substance into a liquid, which is at an elevated temperature and for the infusion of the said substance therein;    allowing the product of the infusion to cool; and    freezing the cooled infused liquid into readily separable ice forms.    
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the substance is introduced into the liquid for a period in the region of about five minutes.  
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the substance is added to a container of the liquid in the form of pure spring water and the infusion so produced is strained from the container and fed into ice moulds.  
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further including the step of boiling the liquid and then cooling the same to a temperature in the region of about 90° C.  
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a mixture of herbal substances is introduced to the liquid.  
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , and further including the step of gently agitating the substance within the liquid during the process of making the infusions.  
   
   
       7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . An ice block arranged to be introduced to a liquid to form a beverage, wherein the ice block comprises a frozen liquid including an infusion of a herbal and/or vegetable and/or fruit substance.  
   
   
       9 . A beverage prepared by adding an ice block into a liquid in which the ice block melts, wherein the ice block comprises a frozen liquid including an infusion of a herbal and/or vegetable and/or fruit substance.  
   
   
       10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . (canceled)  
   
   
       12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the readily separable ice forms comprise ice blocks.  
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ice forms are used to make an instant drink by adding them to hot water.  
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ice forms are used to cool a drink which has been prepared separately.