A machine (1) is configured for handling a flavouring ingredient (2) and preparing a beverage (7) and serving it via a dispensing outlet (8). The machine (1) has an infusion unit (10) that comprises: a support (11) that is stationary during the handling of the flavouring ingredient (2); a seat (12) having an ingredient opening (120); a closure part (13); and a wall part (14) that is movable inside the seat (12). The seat (12), the closure part (13) and the wall part (14) are: directly or indirectly mounted to the support (11); and relatively movable between: a transfer configuration and a mixing chamber configuration. The mixing chamber (12′) is associated with an inlet guide (135) and an outlet guide (140). The infusion unit (10) is configured such that, during beverage preparation, the flavouring ingredient (2) is mixed with water (3) in the mixing chamber (12′) to form the beverage (7) by infusion. The infusion unit (10) is configured such that, after the serving of the beverage (7) via the dispensing outlet (8), at least part of the water (3) contained in the mixing chamber (12′) is evacuated from the mixing chamber (12′) to at least partly dry the flavouring ingredient (2′) prior to removal of the flavouring ingredient (2″) from the mixing chamber (12′). The infusion unit (10) is configured to generate compressed gas (7′), such as air, in the mixing chamber (12′) containing the flavouring ingredient (2′) upon infusion and to evacuate at least part of the water (3) contained in the mixing chamber (12′) with the compressed gas (7′) by releasing it from the mixing chamber (12′).