An apparatus for preparing a beverage includes a housing, and one or more swirl-inducing sections positioned within the housing. A beverage medium, such as instant infant formula powder or a flavored drink mix, can be contained within the housing. Each swirl-inducing section can include a substantially arcuate channel having an entrance opening and an exit opening. When a liquid, such as water, is introduced into the housing, it can flow into the arcuate channel, which produces a swirling movement of the liquid that helps to thoroughly break up and evenly disperse the beverage medium throughout the liquid to produce a thoroughly mixed beverage that is ready for consumption.