Picture this: you’re lounging by the pool, a tropical drink in hand, the sun warming your skin. The bartender smiles, asks if you want another. You think, Is this really unlimited? That’s the dream, right? Free drinks all day, every day. But here’s the truth: all-inclusive doesn’t mean you can drink like you’re in a college dorm on finals week. There are rules-quiet ones, hidden in the fine print-that most guests never read until they hit a wall.
What "All-Inclusive" Actually Means
When you book an all-inclusive resort, you’re paying for access-not a blank check. Your package covers food, basic drinks, and some activities. But "basic" is the key word. Most resorts include local beer, house wine, and standard spirits like rum, vodka, and whiskey. Premium brands? Those cost extra. Craft cocktails? Often limited to a few signature ones. Sparkling water? Usually yes. Imported soda? Maybe not.
Resorts aren’t bars. They’re hotels with a buffet and a bar. Their business model relies on you enjoying yourself without going overboard. If you drank 15 margaritas a day, they’d go bankrupt. So they build limits into the system-not always with signs, but through practical barriers.
The Hidden Limits You Won’t See on the Brochure
There’s no official sign that says "Max 5 drinks per hour." But here’s how the limits show up in real life:
- Drink wait times: If you’re ordering five drinks at once, the bartender will slow down. They’re not rude-they’re managing inventory and preventing overconsumption.
- Bar closing times: Most resort bars shut down between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. No exceptions. Even if you’re still awake, the lights go off.
- Room service alcohol: Many resorts don’t deliver alcohol to rooms after 10 p.m. or require you to order it with food.
- Poolside service: Some resorts limit drink orders to one per guest per hour during peak hours. They’ll say, "I’ll bring your next one right after this," but they’re counting.
One guest in Cancún told me he ordered 12 drinks in two hours. The manager quietly pulled him aside and said, "We can’t keep serving you. We’re responsible for your safety." He didn’t get kicked out-but he didn’t get another drink either.
What Counts as "Unlimited"?
Not everything labeled "unlimited" means what you think.
- Local beer: Yes, unlimited. But only the ones brewed in-country. Corona, Presidente, or local lagers. Not Heineken or Guinness.
- House wine: Usually a red and a white, served by the glass. No Château Margaux here.
- Spirits: Standard brands like Bacardi, Smirnoff, or Jack Daniel’s. If you want Grey Goose or Patron, you pay extra.
- Cocktails: Only the ones listed on the drink menu. A mojito? Included. A spicy mango tequila sunrise with edible gold flakes? Not included.
- Non-alcoholic: Soda, juice, iced tea, and bottled water are usually unlimited. But premium sparkling water (like Perrier) might cost extra.
Some resorts have drink menus with 20+ options-and only 8 are free. The rest? $10 to $18 each. You’ll notice the price difference the moment you ask for a drink that’s not on the "included" list.
Why Resorts Put Limits on Alcohol
It’s not about being stingy. It’s about liability.
Resorts are legally responsible for what happens on their property. If you get too drunk, fall off a balcony, or cause a scene, they’re on the hook. Insurance companies don’t like that. So they train staff to watch for signs of overconsumption.
Staff aren’t just bartenders-they’re trained to spot when someone’s had too much. Slurred speech, aggressive behavior, repeated requests for the same drink? They’ll stop serving. And they’ll do it politely. No yelling. No confrontation. Just a quiet, "I’m sorry, sir, we can’t serve you any more tonight."
One study from the University of Florida found that resorts with strict alcohol policies had 60% fewer medical emergencies related to intoxication than those with looser rules. That’s not coincidence. It’s policy.
What Happens If You Push Too Hard?
Most resorts won’t kick you out for drinking too much. But they’ll make it hard to keep going.
- You’ll be asked to stop serving you.
- Your room key might be flagged-no more alcohol delivered to your room for the rest of the stay.
- Staff might refuse to serve you at any bar on the property.
- Some resorts will notify your travel agent or tour operator.
There’s no official "drunk tank," but there are quiet rooms where guests who’ve had too much are taken to rest until they sober up. It’s not punishment-it’s care. And it’s more common than you think.
How to Enjoy Alcohol Responsibly at an All-Inclusive
You don’t need to binge to have a great time. Here’s how to make the most of your drinks without running into trouble:
- Stick to the included drinks. They’re usually good enough. Local rum in Jamaica? Better than most imported stuff.
- Alternate alcohol with water. One drink, one glass of water. It keeps you hydrated and cuts your intake in half.
- Don’t order multiple drinks at once. You’ll get slower service, and staff will notice.
- Know your limits. If you’re used to drinking at home, remember: the sun, heat, and altitude can make alcohol hit harder.
- Ask before you order. "Is this included?" saves you from surprise charges and awkward moments.
One couple from Melbourne told me they drank two cocktails a day, two beers at dinner, and called it a night. They were the ones who remembered every detail of their trip-the sunset, the food, the music. The others? They were passed out by 9 p.m.
What About Luxury Resorts?
Higher-end all-inclusives like Sandals, Secrets, or AMResorts often include premium brands. But even then, there’s a cap. You can’t order a bottle of Dom Pérignon every night. Some let you order one premium drink per day included. The rest? You pay.
These resorts make it easy to upgrade. You’ll see signs: "Upgrade to Premium Liquor for $15/day." It’s a smart business move-they profit from your desire for status, while still controlling total consumption.
Bottom Line: It’s Not a Bar. It’s a Vacation.
You can drink a lot at an all-inclusive resort. But you can’t drink endlessly. And you shouldn’t want to.
The best all-inclusive vacations aren’t about how many drinks you can get. They’re about how many memories you make. The sunset over the ocean. The local chef who taught you to make ceviche. The conversation with a stranger who became a friend.
Resorts want you to relax. Not pass out. They want you to feel pampered-not punished. So enjoy the drinks. Savor them. But don’t let them steal the best part of your trip.
Can I bring my own alcohol to an all-inclusive resort?
Most resorts ban outside alcohol. They’ll confiscate it at check-in or charge a corkage fee if you try to bring it to the bar. Some luxury resorts allow one bottle of wine for your room, but you’ll need to ask first. Trying to sneak in beer or liquor usually leads to it being thrown out-and sometimes a warning from management.
Do all-inclusive resorts serve alcohol 24/7?
No. Most bars close between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Some have 24-hour snack bars with non-alcoholic drinks, but full bar service ends at night. This is standard across the industry, even at luxury properties. It’s not just policy-it’s safety.
Are cocktails included at all-inclusive resorts?
Only the ones listed on the resort’s included drink menu. Simple cocktails like mojitos, daiquiris, and piña coladas are usually covered. Fancy drinks with premium ingredients, exotic fruits, or top-shelf spirits are extra. Always ask: "Is this part of the all-inclusive package?" before ordering.
Can I get drunk at an all-inclusive resort?
You can get drunk-but the resort staff will notice. If you’re clearly intoxicated, they’ll stop serving you. They’re trained to do this for your safety and theirs. Getting too drunk can lead to being denied service, having your room key flagged, or even being asked to leave. It’s not worth it.
Do all-inclusive resorts charge extra for bottled water?
Usually not. Standard bottled water is included. But if you want premium brands like Evian or Perrier, you’ll pay extra. Tap water is rarely served, but filtered water is often available at stations around the resort. If you’re concerned about cost, stick to the free options.
