Beverage cooling method and apparatus with assembly for holding ice and water

The present invention relates to a beverage bottle cooling method and apparatus comprising a container for containing ice and water adapted to have an inner container inserted at least partially therein, wherein standard sized ice particles from standard ice makers/dispensers can be stored within the space between the inner and outer containers to help keep the beverage in the inner container cool. In general, the present invention comprises an outer container for holding the ice particles, and uses an inner container for containing the beverage that can be positioned at least partially inside the outer container, wherein the ice in the outer container can substantially surround and be in direct contact with the inner container to keep the beverage inside cold. The inner and outer containers are preferably adapted so that when the inner container is placed inside the outer container, a predetermined space is formed between them in which the ice can be stored and sealed. The inner and outer containers can, in this respect, be provided with various engaging surfaces which allow them to be sealed together in a particular manner, depending on the embodiment, to provide a water-tight seal that prevents water, such as when ice melts, from leaking out. In some embodiments, a cap is provided to maintain the inner container in substantial compression between the container and cap. Various supports can be provided to hold the inner container in place. Because the beverage stays in the inner container, and the ice stays in the outer container, the beverage can be kept cold, without the beverage becoming diluted, and without introducing any impurities into the beverage. The beverage can also be poured and consumed directly from the inner container without having to remove the inner container from the outer container.