Method for use in preparing a drink

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for use in preparing a beverage including the steps of introducing a 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 then freezing the cooled infused liquid into readily separable ice blocks.

1 . A method of producing forms of coloured ice for use in preparing a beverage comprising: 
 introducing a vegetable and/or fruit substance into a liquid, and from which substance a predetermined colour is to be derived, the liquid being at an elevated temperature for the infusion of the said substance therein, and filtering the infusion;    allowing the product of the infusion to cool; and    freezing the cooled infused liquid into readily separable ice forms of the said predetermined colour.    
   
   
       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 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 . A coloured ice block arranged to be introduced into a liquid beverage, wherein the ice block comprises a frozen liquid including an infusion of a vegetable and/or fruit substance, formed according to the method of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       8 . A beverage prepared by the addition of the ice block of  claim 7  into a liquid in which the ice block melts.  
   
   
       9 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the readily separable ice forms comprise ice blocks.  
   
   
       10 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ice forms are used to make an instant drink by adding them to hot water.  
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ice forms are used to cool a drink which has been prepared separately.