A portable carbonating dispenser utilizes an onboard supply of carbonation gas and a carbonation control module for permitting a user to carbonate base liquid stored in an onboard base liquid container. The carbonation control module may include a user actuated button for selectively activating the carbonation. The base liquid container may include an extended portion for increasing the exposure of base liquid to carbonation gas. A vertical viewing window enables a user to view carbonation and the level of base liquid in the container. An isolation component may be useful to isolate an additive cartridge from carbonation pressure during carbonation in applications where the dispenser utilizes additive cartridges. Safety venting and locking features may be provided on the mode selector to prevent a user from accidentally pressurizing the cartridge space. A refill station may be provided to refill the portable carbonating dispenser.