Abstract: A capsule holder for a beverage dispensing apparatus includes: a base having a lower wall defining an open chamber configured to receive a beverage capsule; an extractor extending from the lower wall into the chamber and configured to pierce the beverage capsule; a carriage having a ledge configured to engage with a perimeter flange of the capsule, the carriage movably coupled to the base between (i) a lowered position to place the capsule at a first depth in the chamber for piercing of the capsule by the extractor, and (ii) a raised position to place the capsule at a second depth smaller than the first depth, and substantially withdraw the extractor from the capsule; and a biasing element configured to bias the carriage toward the raised position.