A removable filter/pod compartment is filled with coffee grounds, tea, or other espresso particulate brewing substance and mounted within a water reservoir. Water is placed in the water reservoir. A bottom cover is connected to upper cup assembly to hold the filter/pod compartment in place. A resilient gasket or valve is positioned between the filter/pod compartment and a filtrate passage. A filtrate splash cover may be attached to the upper edges of the filtrate reservoir. The assembled beverage maker is placed into a microwave oven. As water in the water reservoir begins to heat up, steam is generated, and hot water is displaced upwards through the filter/pod compartment and particulate brewing substance. The heated beverage is automatically emptied into the filtrate reservoir, which is designed to function as a drinking cup for individually-sized portions.