Abstract: A receptacle holding unit (1) for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle (2) comprises: -a first part (10) with a first engagement arrangement (11); -a second part (20) that has a second engagement arrangement (21) pivotally movable relative to the first engagement arrangement (11) about a longitudinal axis (1?) between a closed position for holding the receptacle in such unit and an open position for inserting the receptacle into such unit and/or for removal therefrom; and -a piercing device (20C) having at least one piercing element (29) for piercing the receptacle (2), this device being assembled to and held by the second part. At least one piercing element (29) is off this axis (1?) and is angularly fixed relative to the first part (10) about this axis (1?) when the second engagement arrangement (21) is pivotally moved relative to the first engagement arrangement (11) about this axis (1?) between the closed and open positions.