Abstract: A beverage maker for brewing a beverage utilizing a brewing material pod that includes an interior portion having a filter and a brewing material. The beverage maker includes a container having a bottom portion and a sidewall forming a cavity, and a top-opening mouth for receiving a quantity of a liquid into the cavity. The beverage maker also includes a cap sized to fit over the mouth of the container. A plunger assembly is coupled to the cap and includes a cavity configured for selective receipt of the brewing material pod. The plunger assembly includes punches that puncture the brewing material pod to provide a flow path therethrough. A user may brew a beverage by filling the container with hot liquid, and pressing the plunger assembly including the brewing material pod downward through the hot liquid.