A closed pressurized container for producing a carbonated beverage of superior quality by providing for contact therein of water and a solid carbonation source. The pressurized container is designed to withstand the pressures and temperatures generated during the preparation of a carbonated beverage from a solid carbonation source. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a rigid receptacle in the shape of a wide mouth bottle adapted to receive a large cap or cover. A perforated basket is mounted inside the cover, and is accessible to water in the bottle when that vessel is turned upside down to an inverted position. A spring loaded, manually operated valve is provided in the cover to permit venting of carbon dioxide from the interior thereof after the water-based mixture within the container has become sufficiently carbonated by absorbing carbon dioxide released by contact of water with the solid carbonation source.