Keurig is best known for its pod coffee makers, and for the past year it has partnered with Drinkworks. This week, however, Drinkworks announced that it would cease operations immediately.

The pod-based cocktail maker had much in common with the Keurig coffee maker. Designed to pour and mix a variety of drinks, including Old Fashioned and Cosmopolitan, using only capsule pods, Drinkworks' machines could create the perfect cocktail in less than 60 seconds. However, as of December 15, 2021, Drinkworks ceased all operations and sold excess inventory until it was depleted.

Curiously for the drinks market, the brand recently reported that sales have doubled in the past 12 months, and a second generation of machines was scheduled to launch in October.

The COVID-19 craze has certainly accelerated Drinkworks' growth, and despite the machine's high $300 price tag, the brand has benefited from the boost in the home market. There are many questions surrounding the demise of the keurig partner, whether that market proved too big too quickly and is now in retreat, or whether an important investment has failed.

Many of those questions come from the owners of these now surplus machines. While pods and soda canisters are still available as long as supplies last, many have invested in particularly high-end machines that are now obsolete. Drinks Works acknowledged this and gave customers until February 28, 2022 to apply for a full refund.

Drinks Works' impression of the Home Bar Classic concluded that the device was cool, but that the pods might be a bit too expensive.

We have rounded up all the best Nespresso machines for more pod-based kitchen gadgets, or check out the best espresso machines for the full barista experience. And if you're looking for a drip machine, we also recommend the Cuisinart coffee maker.