Abstract: A method of making a beverage in a beverage making machine includes filling a beverage diluent receptacle with a beverage diluent liquid, a beverage making cartridge further comprising at least one of a beverage ingredient, and the beverage diluent receptacle, and storing the beverage making cartridge in a refrigerated appliance separate from the beverage making machine, wherein at least the beverage diluent liquid is chilled. The method further preparing a beverage by retrieving the beverage cartridge form the refrigerated appliance, inserting the beverage making cartridge, into the beverage making machine, and dispensing selectively a predefined ratio of the beverage ingredient and a beverage diluent liquid to form the beverage.