Pitcher and mixing ruler for preparing and dispensing beverages

Abstract

A ruler for mixing the ingredients of a selected beverage is slidably received in a vertical slot formed on the inside wall of a pitcher. The beverage ingredients for mixing are listed on each side of the ruler. The list of ingredients for each beverage is color coded to distinguish one beverage from another. The amount and order for mixing the ingredients in the pitcher are identified by parallel spaced measuring lines extending from the bottom to the top of the ruler. The lowermost measuring line on the ruler identifies the first ingredient added to the pitcher. The remaining ingredients are sequentially added to the pitcher to the level of the measuring line identifying each ingredient. The ingredients for mixing are added to the pitcher without requiring the volume of each ingredient to be separately measured and added. With the mixing ruler being releasably attached to the pitcher a set of mixing rulers for a collection of beverage recipes is available for use in mixing beverages in the pitcher.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to method and apparatus for preparing and dispensing beverages from a pitcher and, more particularly, a pitcher for receiving the ingredients for mixing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages where the ingredients for the beverage to be mixed and the amount of each ingredient are identified by a measuring ruler releasably attached to the pitcher where a plurality of measuring rulers are provided for mixing the ingredients of any number of beverages.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is a well known practice in the use of a mixing cup for cooking to identify on the cup the levels at which ingredients are added to the cup. For example, the exterior of a mixing cup is marked to identify the levels for filling ingredients from one-fourth cup to a full cup. Measure lines extend from the bottom of the cup to the open upper end of the cup. A one-half cup of sugar is measured by adding sugar to the cup to the measuring line that is identified as one-half cup.

On another portion of the circumference of the measuring cup, measuring lines identify increments in ounces from the bottom level of the cup at two ounces to the top level at eight ounces. The measuring marks are imprinted on the surface of the cup and are visible from the outside of the cup. The information that can be printed on the cup is limited by the circumferential surface area of the cup.

In the mixing of beverages that include a number of different ingredients, such as an alcoholic beverage, it is well known to use cocktail shakers for mixing ingredients in the required amounts. In one embodiment the circumference of the cocktail shaker is marked with the names of a number of cocktails to be mixed followed by a list of the ingredients. For example, the cocktail shaker identifies the ingredients of a margarita to include 4 oz. of tequila, 2 oz. of Cointreau and 1 oz. of lemon juice. The same approach is used to identify other cocktails, such as a Manhattan, daiquiri, martini, bloody Mary, and the like.

The ingredients by volume of each cocktail appears on one portion of the circumferential surface of the cocktail shaker. Another portion of the circumference of the cocktail shaker is imprinted with measure lines for identifying volume in ounces beginning at the bottom with one ounce and progressing vertically to the top of the cocktail shaker to, for example, 15 oz. A measure line is provided for each ounce from one to fifteen ounces. Using the shaker to mix a margarita, you would add tequila in the amount of 4 oz. to a level opposite the 4 oz. mark. From the 4 oz. mark, 2 oz. of Cointreau would be added to the 6 oz. mark and then 1 oz. of lemon juice would be added to the 7 oz. mark for a margarita containing 7 oz. of ingredients.

There are a number of disadvantages with the above-described cocktail shaker. Principally, the number of different beverages identified on the shaker for mixing is limited by the circumferential surface area available for identifying the ingredients for each cocktail. Typically, the ingredients for no more than six different beverage would be listed around the circumference of the shaker, leaving room to print the measuring scale. With this arrangement one scale in ounces is provided on the cocktail shaker for mixing the ingredients of each beverage.

Each cocktail has different ingredients added at different volumes to the shaker. Therefore, a single scale must be provided identifying increments of ounces from one ounce to an upper limit, for example eight or ten ounces. Furthermore, each ingredient is added one by one to the shaker by an ounce container (shot glass) by the volume required for the cocktail. For example, after 4 oz. of tequila are added to the shaker, 2 oz. of Cointreau are added to the measuring line identifying 6 oz. Again, this requires adding the required volume beginning with the volume of the last ingredient added to the vessel. This makes it difficult to precisely measure the ingredients that are to be mixed together.

There is need for a beverage mixing device that can be used to identify the ingredients of any number of beverages where the user knows exactly to what level in the mixing device the selected ingredients are added.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided apparatus for mixing and preparing beverages that includes a handheld vessel having a closed lower end portion and an open upper end portion for receiving liquid ingredients. The vessel has an outer surface and an inner surface defined by a wall of the vessel. The wall extends between the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the vessel. An ingredient mixing guide is detachably mounted on the vessel. The mixing guide identifies the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing in the vessel. The mixing guide is mounted on the vessel to extend between the lower end portion and the upper end portion. A plurality of measure lines are displayed on the mixing guide in spaced parallel relation along the length of the guide between the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the vessel. The measure lines each identify a selected ingredient for sequentially adding to the vessel in an amount that fills the vessel to the measure line identifying the ingredient. The mixing guide is detached from the vessel after all the ingredients identified on the mixing guide have been added to the vessel.

Further in accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for mixing beverages in a vessel that includes the steps of identifying on a measuring guide the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing in an open-ended vessel. Spaced apart marks are positioned the length of the stirring device corresponding to the beverage ingredients. The stirring device is releasably attached to extend upright on the vessel. The vessel is filled with one ingredient after another beginning with the first ingredient added to the bottom of the vessel up to the mark identifying the first ingredient. Thereafter, the remaining ingredients are added one after another to a level in the vessel opposite the respective identifying mark for the ingredient until all of the ingredients are added to the vessel.

Further the present invention is directed to a kit for mixing ingredients of a selected beverage in a vessel that includes a closed lower end and an open upper end for containing a liquid beverage. A measuring ruler has a length extending between the closed lower end and the open upper end of the vessel. The measuring ruler identifies the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing in the vessel. The measuring ruler has spaced apart measuring lines identifying the ingredients for the beverage. The ruler is releasably attached to the vessel to display the ingredients identified on the measuring ruler to permit the ingredients to be added one after another to the vessel to a level opposite the measuring line for each ingredient.

Further in accordance with the present invention there is provided a tool for mixing ingredients of a beverage that includes an elongated member for stirring liquid contents added to a container for mixing a selected beverage. The elongated member has a length substantially greater than the width thereof. A plurality of measure lines are positioned on the elongated member in spaced relationship the length of said elongated member. The measure lines each identify a selected ingredient for adding sequentially to the container. The measure lines are spaced a distance apart in proportion to the volume of each ingredient added to the container for mixing.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for mixing a selected one of a number of beverages by easily identifying to the user the amount of each ingredient to be mixed for the selected beverage on the apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a container for mixing the ingredients of a wide variety of beverages by identifying on the surface of the container the ingredients that are added to the container for mixing a selected beverage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a collection of measuring devices each identifying the ingredients of a selected beverage to be mixed in a pitcher where each measuring device is detachably mounted on the vessel to identify the level to which each ingredient is added to the pitcher for precisely mixing the ingredients.

These and other objects of the present invention will be more completely disclosed and described in the following specification, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a combination pitcher and a mixing ruler.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the combination pitcher and mixing ruler shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the ruler releasably attached to the interior wall of the pitcher where the ingredients of two types of beverages for mixing in the pitcher are identified on the mixing ruler.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the pitcher shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the mixing ruler releasably mounted on the interior wall of the pitcher.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the pitcher shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the mixing ruler removed from attachment to the interior wall of the pitcher.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view in side elevation of the pitcher taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, illustrating a slot formed on the interior wall of the pitcher for slidably 54 56 is removed from the slot 46 within the pitcher and used to stir the ingredients.

For a DAIQUIRI to be mixed in the pitcher 14, the first ingredient that is added to the pitcher is simple syrup, followed by lime juice, followed by white rum. Each ingredient is added sequentially one after the other. There is no guess work as to the volume of each ingredient that is added to the pitcher by virtue of simply adding the ingredient to a level in the pitcher 14 positioned opposite the measuring line 51 on the mixing ruler 56, as seen through the wall of the pitcher.

FIG. 12 illustrates the opposite surface 44 of the mixing ruler 56 for preparing “MAI TAI” and “PASSION PUNCH” rum based cocktails. With the mixing ruler 56 in the slot 46 with the surface 44 facing outwardly through the pitcher wall 34, a MAI TAI is prepared by first adding lime juice, followed by dark rum, followed by almond syrup, followed by orange curacao. Each ingredient is added sequentially to the pitcher in the volume determined by the measuring line 51 identifying the ingredient on the mixing ruler 56. The ingredients for PASSION PUNCH are identified as lime juice, white rum, and passion fruit. Each ingredient is added sequentially first beginning with the addition of lime juice.

The mixing ruler 56 shown in FIG. 12 is an example of two drinks having similar ingredients but added in different quantities. To distinguish between the quantity of lime juice that is needed to prepare a MAI TAI, as distinguished from the quantity of lime juice used to prepare Passion PUNCH, the required ingredients are color coded so that all the elements for each drink are readily identified and distinguished from the ingredients of the other cocktail.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the embodiment of a mixing ruler 58 for preparing four different types of vodka based cocktails. On the surface 42 of the mixing ruler 58 shown in FIG. 13 either a “COSMO” or a “MIDTOWN MARTINI” is mixed and dispensed from the pitcher 14 using the coded identification of ingredients to distinguish between the two cocktails. The ingredients for a COSMO are identified as cranberry juice, triple sec, lime juice and citrus vodka. In the method as described above, once the mixing ruler 58 is secured in position in the slot 46 on the inner wall 34 of the pitcher 16, the respective ingredients are added sequentially beginning with the first ingredient from the bottom of the pitcher up to the respective measuring line 51 for each ingredient until all of the ingredients for the selected beverage have been added to the pitcher. Once all of the ingredients have been added to the pitcher, the mixing ruler 58 is removed and used to stir the contents.

With the mixing ruler 58 shown in FIG. 13 used to prepare a “MIDTOWN MARTINI”, the components of elderflower liqueur, orange vodka, and dry vermouth are sequentially added one after another to the levels of the identified measuring lines until all of the ingredients are added. In FIG. 14, the opposite surface 44 of the measuring ruler 58 identifies the ingredients for mixing a “SUMMER PEACH” or a “SUMMER SPRITZ” vodka based cocktail. The coded form of identifying the ingredients for each cocktail distinguishes the respective ingredients.

To prepare a SUMMER SPRITZ, the first ingredient added to the pitcher is Aperol, followed by lemon juice, followed by elderflower liqueur, vodka, and finally club soda to the measuring line therefor. As with the prior methods of mixing, each ingredient is added one after the other up to the level of the mixing line 51 that identifies the ingredient visible through the wall of the pitcher. The SUMMER PEACH vodka based cocktail includes the ingredients of sweet tea, lemon juice, and peach vodka, each added sequentially, one after the other.

Referring to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a further embodiment of a kit 12 for mixing and preparing beverages that includes a vessel 60 and a mixing ruler 62 detachably connected to the vessel 60. Preferably the vessel 48 60 is in the embodiment of a pitcher injected molded of plastic and having a transparent body portion 64 and a removable cover 66 that permits access to the interior of the pitcher for adding ingredients for the beverage to be mixed. The pitcher or vessel 60 includes at one end a pour spout 68 from which the mixed beverage is dispensed and on the opposite side an integral handle 70. The body portion 64 of the pitcher 60 together with the spout 68 and handle 70 are integrally formed, preferably by plastic injection molding.

As seen in FIG. 16, the handle 70 projects from the pitcher body portion 64 to an outer end that is molded to form a groove 72 that extends longitudinally on the handle 70 substantially the length of the pitcher from lower end 74 to the cover 66. The mixing ruler 62 has a length and width that is snapped into position in the groove 72 where a horizontal tab 76, shown in FIG. 15, extending from the upper end of the ruler 62 overlies surface 78 of cover 66. As seen in FIG. 18, the groove 72 extends substantially the length or height of the pitcher 60. As seen in FIG. 19, the length of the mixing ruler 62 corresponds in length to the groove 72. When the mixing ruler 62 is snapped in place in the groove 72, the mixing ruler extends from the pitcher lower end 74 to the pitcher cover 66.

Further in accordance with the present invention as described above for the embodiments of the mixing rulers 52, 54, 56, and 58 illustrated in FIGS. 7-14, the mixing ruler 62 illustrated in FIG. 19 identifies the ingredients for mixing two different beverages. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the tab for the ruler 62 identifies the cocktail to be mixed, for example RUM. The types of rum based cocktails for mixing are identified on the ruler 62. As shown in FIG. 19, the choices for rum based drinks are either a GINGER MOJITO or a DAIQUIRI. Each drink is colored coded so the user knows what ingredients are to be added for the desired cocktail.

To mix a GINGER MOJITO in the pitcher 60 shown in FIG. 19, the cover 66 is removed. The first ingredient added to the pitcher is lime juice up to the measure line identified for lime juice in a GINGER MOJITO. Thereafter, simple syrup is added to the level in the pitcher identified by the measure line 51 for simple syrup. White rum is added to the pitcher to the measure line identifying white rum. The last ingredient to be added is ginger beer to the measure line therefor. Once all of the ingredients are added, the contents are mixed. With this embodiment, the mixing ruler 62 is not removed from its mounted position on the pitcher 60 because it is positioned outside of the pitcher. Any conventional stirring device is used to mix the contents. The same procedure is followed to mix the ingredients for a DAIQUIRI. First simple syrup is added followed by juice and finally the addition of white rum to the measuring line therefor.

With the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-19, the mixing ruler 62 includes the description of ingredients for two drinks on only one side of the mixing ruler because the ruler snaps in place with the horizontal tab 76 engaging the surface. 78 of the cover 66. The opposite side of the mixing ruler 62 is not used to identify the ingredients. Because the mixing ruler is removably attached to the pitcher 60, an entire set or library of mixing rulers 62 with tab 76 is available identifying the ingredients for any number of beverages.

It should be understood that while reference to mixing ingredients for forming beverages is one method of using the present invention, the kit 12 formed by the combination of the pitcher and mixing ruler, particularly for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-19, is not limited to mixing components of a beverage. The use of the mixing ruler 62 removably mounted on the exterior of the pitcher 60 can be used to prepare other combinations of ingredients that include primarily liquid ingredients that are not necessarily beverages. The identification of the ingredients on the mixing ruler 62 is formed by any desired printing, stamping, molding or embossing method that substantially, permanently impresses the identification of the ingredients in the sequence to be added. Selected stamping, labeling and printing methods can be used to inscribe the ingredients. In one embodiment the identification of the ingredients is formed on a printed sheet of material that is adhered to the surface of the ruler 62. Also the print identifying the ingredients can be formed in the process of injection molding of the ruler and pitcher.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate a further embodiment of a kit 12 that includes a vessel 80 in the embodiment of a pitcher and a mixing ruler 82 detachably connected to extend on the outer surface of the pitcher 80. In a conventional construction, the pitcher 80 includes a substantially cylindrical body portion 84, a closed end portion 86, and an upper open end portion or rim 88. A handle 90 extends from one side of the pitcher 80. A pour spout 92 extends from the upper open end portion 88.

The mixing ruler 82 has a length that extends substantially the height or length of the pitcher 80. The upper end of the ruler 82 includes a hook-like end portion generally designated by the numeral 94 having an upper planar surface 96 as shown in FIG. 22 that identifies the type of beverage to be prepared by mixing the ingredients shown on the ruler 82. The hook-like end portion 94 attaches the ruler 82 to the pitcher 80. A pair of tabs 98 and 100 extend inwardly from the upper surface 96 toward the body of the ruler 82 to form a reduced clearance area 102 between the end of each tab 98 and 100 and the body of ruler 82. The upper surface 96 of the ruler 82 rests on the rim 88 of the pitcher 80 which extends into the reduced clearance area 102 between the tab 98 and the wall of the pitcher. In this position, the end of the ruler 82 is frictionally engaged and hooked to the rim 88 of the pitcher. This secures the ruler 82 to extend in vertical alignment downwardly on the outside of the pitcher. In this manner the mixing ruler 82 is easily attached and detached from connection to the pitcher on the outside of the pitcher 82 where the ruler is clearly visible.

The mixing ruler 82 has opposite surfaces 104 and 106, as shown in FIG. 20, on which are listed the ingredients for two different beverages. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the surface 104 of ruler 82 is exposed on the outer surface of the pitcher 80 to display the ingredients for two types of whiskey based cocktails for mixing in the pitcher, “BOURBON & BERRIES” and “WHISKEY SMASH”. As with the methods described above, the ingredients for each cocktail are color coded so as to make it easy to identify the ingredients needed to mix each cocktail. The identification of the ingredients are impressed or printed in any suitable manner on the opposed surfaces 104 and 106. For example, in one embodiment the ingredients are embossed on the plastic body of the ruler 82.

With the ruler 82 attached to the pitcher 80, as shown in FIG. 21, the user selects one of the two types of cocktails for mixing. With four possible beverages to be mixed, the user selects the one to be mixed. The mixing ruler 82 is then hung in position on the rim 88 of the pitcher 80 to reveal the ingredients for the selected beverage. The desired beverage is then mixed in the pitcher 80 with the ingredients in the preferred order and amount. There is no requirement that each ingredient be separately measured in the volume to which it is added to the pitcher. The amount of each ingredient added to the pitcher is determined by the relative spacing between the measure lines 51 on the ruler 82. Thus by releasably attaching the mixing ruler 82 to the pitcher 80, as above described, the correct volume of ingredients is mixed in the pitcher. This takes all of the guess work out of how to mix any number of beverages.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the principle, preferred construction and mode of operation of my invention and have illustrated and described what I now consider to represent its best embodiments. However, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

Claims

1. Apparatus for mixing and preparing and mixing beverages comprising,

a handheld vessel having a closed lower end portion and an

open upper end portion for receiving liquid ingredients, said vessel having an outer surface and inner surface defining a wall of said vessel,

said wall extending between said lower end portion and said upper end portion,

an ingredient mixing guide detachably mounted on said vessel for identifying the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing in said vessel,

a slot formed on said inner surface of said wall of said vessel and extending vertically between said lower and upper end portions,

said mixing guide detachably mounted in said slot to fix the position of the mixing guide on said vessel to extend between said lower end portion and said upper end portion,

a plurality of measure lines visible on said mixing guide in spaced relation along the length of said mixing guide between said lower end portion and said upper end portion,

said measure lines each identifying a selected ingredient for adding sequentially to said vessel in an amount that fills the vessel with the ingredient to said measure line identifying the ingredient, and

said mixing guide detachable from said vessel after all of the ingredients identified on said mixing guide are added to said vessel.

2. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 1 which includes,

a plurality of said mixing guides each having a planar surface for displaying in a graduated scale the ingredients required for preparing a selected beverage, and

each of said mixing guides identifying the ingredients of different beverages.

3. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 2 which includes,

each of said mixing guide guides being interchangable on said vessel permitting one mixing guide to replace another mixing guide on said vessel to allow an unlimited number of different beverage ingredients to be displayed on said vessel for mixing in said vessel.

4. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 3 2 which includes,

a kit comprising a preselected number of mixing guidesin said vessel,

each mixing guide being releasably detachably mounted on said vessel for display of the ingredients for preparing and mixing a beverage associated with each mixing guide, and

each mixing guide including instructions appearing thereon for combining the ingredients in the required order and amount for preparing and mixing a selected beverage.

5. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 1 which includes,

said mixing guide being an elongated member for stirring beverage ingredients in said vessel,

said elongated member having a length corresponding to the depth of said vessel,

said elongated member having opposing planar surfaces,

said planar surfaces each bearing a list of the ingredients for preparing a selected beverage, and

said elongated member being detachably mounted on said vessel for display of the beverage ingredients listed on a selected one of said planar surfaces.

6. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 5 in which,

said elongated member is supported on said vessel in a first position to display the list of ingredients on one of said planar surfaces, and

said elongated member supported on said vessel in a second position to display the list of ingredients on the opposite side of said planar surfaces.

7. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 5 in which, said opposing planar surfaces on said elongated member each including at least two separate list lists of ingredients for preparing two different types of beverages in said vessel, and each list of ingredients being visibly differentiated from the other list of ingredients appearing on said planar surface so as to distinguish the list of ingredients of one beverage from the list of ingredients of the other beverage identified on said planar surface.

8. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 1 in whichincludes,

said slot is formed by a a pair of guide rails extending vertically on said inner surface of said vessel in space spaced parallel relation forming a said slot therebetween within said vessel, and

said mixing guide movable into and out of position in said slot for mounting said mixing guide within said vessel to display the ingredients of a selected beverage on said vessel.

9. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 8 which includes,

said vessel being fabricated of a transparent material so that the ingredients for a beverage displayed on the mixing guide positioned inside of said vessel are visible through the wall of said vessel from outside of said vessel.

10. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 1 in which comprising,

a handheld vessel having a closed lower end portion and a open upper end portion for receiving liquid ingredients,

said vessel having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a wall of said vessel,

said wall extending between said lower end portion and said upper end portion,

an ingredient mixing guide detachably mounted on said vessel for identifying the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing in said vessel,

said mixing guide mounted on said vessel to extend between said lower end portion and said upper end portion,

a plurality of measure lines visible on said mixing guide in spaced relation along the length of said mixing guide between said lower end portion and said upper end position,

said measure lines each identifying a selected ingredient for adding sequentially to said vessel in an amount that fills the vessel with the ingredient to said measure line identifying the ingredient,

a said mixing guide detachable from said vessel after all of the ingredients identified on said mixing guide are added to said vessel,

said vessel includes including a pitcher having a handle extending on one side of said pitcher and a pour spout extending from an opposite side of said pitcher,

said pitcher handle includes a groove extending longitudinally on said pitcher,

said mixing guide includes a ruler snapped into engagement into said groove to releasably mount said ruler on said pitcher handle, and

said ruler having said measuring lines inscribed thereon to identify the required order and amount of each ingredient added to said pitcher for mixing the selected beverage.

11. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 10 in which,

said pitcher handle includes a recess extending longitudinally on said pitcher,

said mixing guide includes a ruler snapped into engagement into said recess to releasably mount said ruler on said pitcher handle, and

said ruler having said measuring lines inscribed thereon to identify the required order and amount of each ingredient added to said pitcher for mixing the selected beverage.

12. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 11 10 which includes,

a collection of said rulers each identifying a different beverage for mixing in said pitcher, and

each of said rulers being releaseably snapped onto said pitcher handle to provide instructions for mixing in said pitcher the beverage identified on said ruler in said collection of rulers where the number of beverages identified for mixing is determined by the number of rulers in said collection.

13. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 1 in which comprising,

a handheld vessel having a closed end portion and an open upper end portion for receiving liquid ingredients,

said vessel having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a wall of said vessel,

said wall extending between said lower end portion and said upper end portion,

an ingredient mixing guide detachably mounted on said vessel for identifying the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing in said vessel,

said mixing guide mounted on said vessel to extend between said lower end portion and said upper end portion,

a plurality of measure lines visible on said mixing guide in spaced relation along the length of said mixing guide between said lower end portion and said upper end portion,

said measure lines each identifying a selected ingredient for adding sequentially to said vessel in an amount that fills the vessel with the ingredient to said measure line identifying the ingredient,

said mixing guide detachable from said vessel after all the ingredients identified on said mixing guide are added to said vessel,

said ingredient mixing guide includes a measuring ruler identifying the order and amount of each ingredient for a preselected beverage added to said vessel for mixing, and

said mixing measuring ruler having an upper end engagable with said vessel open upper end portion to permit said measuring ruler to extend vertically on said vessel outer surface for display of the ingredients for mixing, and

said ruler upper end includes a pair of spaced apart tabs extending inwardly from said upper end toward the body of said ruler to form a reduced clearance area between each of said tabs and the body of said ruler to receive said wall of said vessel therebetween and frictionally engage said ruler upper end to said vessel.

14. Apparatus for preparing and mixing beverages as set forth in claim 13 in which,

said measuring ruler includes an elongated body portion having opposite sides for identifying the ingredients for mixing different types of beverages, and

said measuring ruler positioned on said vessel so that the surface of said measuring ruler identifying the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing is displayed on said vessel outer surface.

15. A kit for mixing ingredients of a selected beverage in a vessel comprising,

a vessel having a closed lower end and an open upper end for containing a liquid beverage,

a measuring ruler having a length to extend between said closed lower end and said open upper end of said vessel,

said measuring ruler having an upper planar surface located at said vessel upper end,

said measuring ruler identifying the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing in said vessel,

said measuring ruler having spaced apart measuring lines identifying the ingredients for the beverage, and

said measuring ruler having a pair of tabs extending inwardly from said upper end portion toward the body of said ruler to form a reduced clearance area between the end of each tab and the body of said ruler to receive in frictional engagement said vessel at said open upper end, and

said measuring ruler being releasably attached to said vessel to display the ingredients identified on said measuring ruler to permit the ingredients to be added one after another to said vessel to a level opposite the measuring lines for each ingredient.

16. A kit for mixing ingredients of a selected beverage as set forth in claim 15 which includes,

a plurality of said mixing measuring rulers each having an identification of the ingredients of a selected beverage for mixing in the vessel where each ruler identifies the ingredients of a different beverage.

17. A kit for mixing ingredients of a selected beverage as set forth in claim 16 in which,

said mixing plurality of measuring rulers form forming a set of rulers for mixing selected beverages in said vessel.

18. A kit for mixing ingredients of a selected beverage asset as set forth in claim 15 in which includes,

said mixing measuring ruler having opposite sides,

one side of said mixing measuring ruler having a list of ingredients identified by said measuring lines for mixing a first beverage in said vessel, and

an opposite side of said mixing measuring ruler having a list of ingredients identified by said measuring lines for mixing a second beverage in said vessel.

19. A kit for mixing ingredients of a preselected beverage as set forth in claim 18 which includes,

said measuring ruler opposite sides each having at least two different lists of ingredients identified by said measuring lines for mixing two different types of beverages, and

said measuring lines for each list of ingredients of the selected beverage appearing in a preselected color so that the ingredients for each beverage are distinguishable by color one from another.

20. A kit for mixing ingredients of a preselected beverage as set forth in claim 18 15 which includes,

said mixing measuring ruler having an upper end and a lower end, and

said mixing measuring ruler upper end having a clip for releasably engaging said vessel open upper end to vertically support said mixing measuring ruler on said vessel to position said mixing measuring ruler lower end oppositely of at said vessel lower end and position said mixing measuring ruler upper end oppositely of at said vessel upper end.

21. A kit for mixing ingredients of a preselected beverage as set forth in claim 20 18 which includes,

said clip measuring ruler upper end releasably engagable with said vessel open upper end to position said measuring ruler on said vessel where a selected one of said measuring ruler opposite sides is visible for viewing on said vessel.