A beverage container has a refrigerant compartment in its upper end, the lower wall of which is inclined. A conduit for released refrigerant extends through the lower beverage compartment and is connected to an opening in the side wall of the refrigerant compartment adjacent the compartment's lowest point. A valve is provided between the opening and the conduit to control discharge of the refrigerant. The valve is recessed into a well to protect it from inadvertent actuation.