A method, and apparatus for implementing the method, for adjusting a dispensing temperature of a hot beverage by an automatic beverage maker. The temperature of the hot beverage and/or the water supplied to a brewing unit for producing the hot beverage is measured. The measured temperature is compared with a desired value and the temperature of the hot beverage is adjusted to the desired value by cooling. The hot beverage or the water supplied to the brewing unit for producing the hot beverage is cooled directly via a machine-controlled addition of cold water. The temperature is adapted to the desired value by an amount of cold water supplied by the machine-controlled addition of cold water. The temperature is adapted by a controllable metering valve that meters the amount of added cold water.