PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and method for preparing a beverage which diminishes occurrence of preferential paths of fluid flow in capsules causing prepared beverage strengths to depend on the capsules.SOLUTION: The system comprises an exchangeable capsule 2, a receptacle 106 for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device 108 for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The receptacle comprises bottom piercing means 122 for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule. The entrance area of the capsule according to the invention comprises an entrance filter 34. In use, the entrance filter is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the entrance filter is not pierced by the bottom piercing means.