Abstract: A reusable beverage container that includes a vessel having an upper end defining an upper opening and that is configured to store a beverage. The reusable beverage container further includes a cap that is removably securable to the upper end of the vessel, and the cap is configured to receive and completely enclose a beverage-ingredient cartridge. The cap of the reusable beverage container includes a lower shell defining a lower opening, an upper shell removably securable to the lower shell, and a cartridge opener extending from the lower shell.

Abstract: A reusable beverage container that includes a vessel having an upper end defining an upper opening and that is configured to store a beverage. The reusable beverage container further includes a cap that is removably securable to the upper end of the vessel, and the cap is configured to receive and completely enclose a beverage-ingredient cartridge. The cap of the reusable beverage container includes a lower shell defining a lower opening, an upper shell removably securable to the lower shell, and a cartridge opener extending from the lower shell.

Abstract: A beverage-ingredient cartridge for storing one or more beverage ingredients. A beverage-ingredient cartridge includes a first container for storing a first beverage ingredient and having a neck defining an opening at an upper end of the first container. The beverage-ingredient cartridge further includes a second container for storing a second beverage ingredient and having a body removably secured to the neck of the first container by an interference fit so as to cover and seal the opening of the first container, and a lid removably secured to the neck of the first container by an interference fit. The lid is positioned above and is in contact with the body such that the body and lid define an interior volume of the second container.

Abstract: Apparatuses related to a beverage system. The system includes a piercing apparatus that includes an inner ring composed of a rigid material and an outer ring composed of a flexible material that encompasses the inner ring. The outer ring has an upper portion disposed above the inner ring that has a greater range of motion than the outer ring that encompasses the inner ring. The piercing apparatus further includes a piercer composed of a rigid material that is connected to the inner ring by a plurality of arms that radially extend from the piercer to the inner ring. The plurality of arms define a plurality of openings between the arms. The outer ring includes a protrusion that circumferentially protrudes outward from an outer surface of the outer ring.

Abstract: Apparatuses related to a beverage system. The system includes a piercing apparatus that includes an inner ring composed of a rigid material and an outer ring composed of a flexible material that encompasses the inner ring. The outer ring has an upper portion disposed above the inner ring that has a greater range of motion than the outer ring that encompasses the inner ring. The piercing apparatus further includes a piercer composed of a rigid material that is connected to the inner ring by a plurality of arms that radially extend from the piercer to the inner ring. The plurality of arms define a plurality of openings between the arms. The outer ring includes a protrusion that circumferentially protrudes outward from an outer surface of the outer ring.