Are You Only Allowed 6 Drinks on All-Inclusive? The Real Rules Explained

Ever sat by the pool with a cocktail in hand, wondering if you’re breaking some secret rule? You’ve heard the whispers: all-inclusive resorts limit you to six drinks a day. Maybe your friend swore they got cut off after the fifth margarita. Or maybe you’re just trying to figure out if you can actually enjoy your vacation without feeling like you’re on a drink rationing system.

The truth? There’s no universal rule. No global law says you can only have six drinks on an all-inclusive. But here’s the catch-some resorts do. And others don’t. It’s not about fairness. It’s about how the resort is run, who owns it, and what they think you’ll tolerate before you start stumbling into the ocean.

Where Did the Six-Drink Myth Come From?

The six-drink limit didn’t start in a boardroom. It started with a hotel manager in Cancún, back in 2018, trying to reduce drunken brawls and insurance claims. They put up a sign: "We encourage responsible drinking. Maximum six alcoholic beverages per guest per day." It wasn’t a rule. It was a suggestion. But someone took a photo. Someone posted it on Reddit. And suddenly, it became gospel.

Now, travel blogs repeat it like a mantra. "Don’t go to all-inclusive unless you’re okay with six drinks." Travel influencers say it like it’s law. But if you’ve ever actually asked a front desk agent in Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, they’ll shrug and say, "We don’t count. Just don’t get rowdy."

Do All-Inclusive Resorts Actually Enforce Drink Limits?

Some do. Some don’t. And the ones that do? They’re usually the ones trying to control costs or avoid liability. High-end chains like Sandals or Secrets might have internal guidelines-but they rarely enforce them unless you’re clearly intoxicated. Budget resorts? They’re more likely to let you drink until the bar closes.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• At a 5-star resort in Mexico, you can order a cocktail at 10 a.m., another at noon, two more at dinner, and two more after dessert. No one asks how many you’ve had.
• At a mid-tier resort in the Caribbean, the bartender might pause after your fifth drink and say, "You want another?"-not because you’re over the limit, but because they’re trying to read your vibe.
• At a resort owned by a company with strict liability insurance, you might get a polite note: "We recommend limiting intake for your safety."

There’s no card system. No punch card. No app tracking your rum intake. If you’re acting like a human hurricane, they’ll step in-not because you hit six, but because you’re making noise.

What Counts as a "Drink"?

This is where things get messy. Is a long island ice tea one drink? Or five? What about a 24-ounce beer? Or a pitcher of sangria? The answer? It depends on the bar.

Most resorts define a "standard drink" as:

• 1.5 oz of spirits (vodka, rum, tequila)
• 5 oz of wine
• 12 oz of beer

But in reality? A bartender pours what they want. A margarita might have three shots. A daiquiri might have two. A "cocktail" might be a whole bottle of rum with pineapple juice.

If you’re trying to count, you’re already overthinking it. If you’re trying to game the system by ordering three small drinks instead of one big one? Good luck. The staff aren’t counting. They’re serving.

Why Do Some Resorts Pretend There’s a Limit?

It’s not about control. It’s about perception. Resorts know people worry about being "charged extra" or "cut off." So they use the six-drink myth to manage expectations. It’s a psychological trick.

Think of it like this: if you believe there’s a limit, you’re less likely to complain if you’re asked to slow down. You think, "Oh, I hit my six. Fair enough." But if you knew there was no limit, you might keep going-and then blame the resort when you wake up with a headache and a missing flip-flop.

It’s not about ethics. It’s about minimizing drama.

What Happens If You Go Over?

Nothing-unless you cross the line into disruptive behavior.

You won’t get a bill. You won’t get a warning. You won’t get your keys taken. But if you start yelling at the pool staff, trying to fight someone, or pass out in the jacuzzi? That’s when they’ll step in. And when they do, it’s not because you had seven drinks. It’s because you were acting like a liability.

Some resorts will quietly stop serving you. Others will offer water, a cold towel, and a ride back to your room. No drama. No shouting. Just quiet service.

And if you’re lucky? You’ll wake up the next morning with a free mimosa at breakfast-and no one mentioning last night.

How to Actually Enjoy Your All-Inclusive Without Stress

Here’s the real secret: don’t count. Don’t track. Don’t stress.

Instead, do this:

1. Drink water between cocktails. Seriously. Every other drink? Swap it for a glass of water. You’ll feel better, look better, and actually enjoy the taste of your drinks.
2. Order local. A rum punch made with fresh pineapple and local spice? Better than the same old vodka soda you’d get at home.
3. Don’t chase the "free" feeling. The drinks are included, yes-but your vacation isn’t. Don’t waste it being hungover.
4. Ask the bartender. If you’re unsure, just say, "Is there a limit here?" Most will laugh and say, "Nope. Just don’t turn into a human disco ball."

And if you’re still worried? Pick a resort that’s known for being chill. Places like Breathless Punta Cana, Excellence Playa Mujeres, or Zoetry Agua in Mexico have reputations for relaxed policies. They know their guests want freedom, not a drink quota.

What About Non-Alcoholic Drinks?

Here’s something no one tells you: soda, juice, coffee, and bottled water are also included. And they’re unlimited. So if you’re not into alcohol, you’re not missing out. You can have ten iced teas, three smoothies, and a pot of coffee before breakfast.

And if you’re trying to stay healthy? The resorts know. Many now offer fresh coconut water, herbal infusions, and probiotic smoothies-no charge.

Bottom Line: It’s Not About the Number

You’re not being punished for drinking too much. You’re being protected from yourself.

The six-drink limit? It’s a myth. A ghost story told by people who got too drunk on their honeymoon and blamed the resort. The real rule? Don’t be a jerk. Don’t be a danger. Don’t make the staff’s job harder.

Enjoy your drinks. Sip slowly. Taste them. Talk to people. Watch the sunset. That’s what all-inclusive is for. Not a drinking contest. Not a points system. Just freedom-with a little common sense.

So go ahead. Order the seventh cocktail. Just make sure you’re still smiling when you do.