Variable carbonation beverage dispensing system

The present invention is directed generally carbonated beverage dispensing systems. Such systems may be embodied in the form of a unitary apparatus including electrically powered on-bench, under-bench or freestanding water cooling units. A beverage dispensing unit is provided which comprises a first source of liquid having a relatively high level of carbonation, a second source of liquid having a relative low or zero level of carbonation, mixing means in liquid connection with the first and second sources of liquid configured to allow mixing of liquid from the first and second sources, and a controllable pump configured to convey liquid from the first or second source of water at a variable flow rate to the mixing means. The unit is configured such that the flow rate of the variable pump is controllable so as to provide a beverage having a variable mixture of liquids from the first and second sources of liquid so as to provide a beverage having a level of carbonation intermediate to that of the first and second sources of liquid.