A beverage maker for making single serving customized beverages is provided herein. The beverage maker provides on-demand, single dose sparkling or non-sparkling flavored waters, juices or sodas. An example beverage maker includes a reservoir in fluid communication with a carbonation chamber for mixing a selected volume of fluid with carbon dioxide. The beverage maker also includes a pressurized carbon dioxide source in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber. The beverage maker is configured to receive an individually packed, single use disposable flavor cup containing a flavor and having a sealed cover that covers and seals the flavor cup. Additionally, the beverage maker includes a piercing mechanism for piercing the flavor cup and mixing the selected volume of fluid therein, and for discharging a blended fluid. The carbonation chamber comprises a pressure vessel assembly of a fixed volume such that carbon dioxide absorption can be performed and controlled.
