How Many Drinks Are You Allowed on All-Inclusive Resorts?

Ever sat by the pool on an all-inclusive vacation, watching someone order their fifth margarita and wonder - is there even a limit? You’re not alone. Most people assume all-inclusive means unlimited drinks, but that’s not always true. In fact, many resorts quietly cap your alcohol intake, and if you don’t know the rules, you could get cut off before sunset - or worse, charged extra for something you thought was included.

There’s no universal rule - it depends on the resort

All-inclusive resorts don’t follow one standard. A budget resort in Mexico might let you sip rum all day, while a luxury property in the Caribbean could limit you to 15 drinks per day. Even within the same brand, policies vary by location. For example, an all-inclusive from RIU might allow unlimited drinks at their bars, but only five cocktails per day at their fine-dining restaurants. You won’t find this written on their website - you have to ask.

Why the inconsistency? Resorts balance cost and guest experience. Too many free drinks, and they lose money on liquor and staff. Too few, and guests complain. Most resorts set limits that feel generous enough to keep you happy, but tight enough to protect their bottom line.

What counts as a drink?

Not every glass is treated the same. A standard drink is usually defined as:

• 12 oz beer
• 5 oz wine
• 1.5 oz distilled spirits (vodka, rum, whiskey, etc.)
• Pre-mixed cocktails (like mojitos or daiquiris)

But here’s where it gets tricky: some resorts count a large pitcher of sangria as three drinks, even if it’s served in one go. Others charge extra for premium brands - think Grey Goose, Patron, or Dom Pérignon. If you order a drink with a name you’ve never heard of, it’s probably not included. Ask the bartender: “Is this part of the all-inclusive?” before they pour it.

Non-alcoholic drinks usually have no limit. Soda, juice, coffee, and bottled water are fair game. Some places even offer unlimited fresh-squeezed orange juice in the morning. But if you’re ordering a fancy smoothie with protein powder or exotic fruits, that might be extra.

Typical drink limits you’ll actually see

Based on recent guest reports from 2025, here’s what most all-inclusive resorts are doing:

These aren’t hard rules - they’re patterns. Resorts rarely post their limits publicly. But if you’ve stayed at one before, you’ll notice a trend. Budget places want you to drink more to feel you got your money’s worth. Luxury places want you to feel exclusive, so they make premium drinks feel special.

When do the limits kick in?

Most resorts track drinks from the moment you check in until you check out. That means if you arrive at 3 p.m., your 10-drink limit starts then - not at midnight. Some places reset at midnight, but that’s rare. A few even track your drinks via a wristband or room key. If you try to order a 16th cocktail, the bartender might say, “That’s your limit for today,” and you’ll have to pay extra.

There’s also a time limit. Many resorts stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m., even if your limit hasn’t been reached. Some close their bars entirely after midnight. If you’re planning a late-night cocktail, check the schedule. You won’t find it on the website - ask at the front desk when you arrive.

What happens if you go over?

If you hit your limit, you won’t be kicked out of the bar. But you’ll be asked to pay for each additional drink. Prices vary: a cocktail might cost $8-$15, while a bottle of wine could be $40-$80. That’s way more than you’d pay at a local bar back home.

Some resorts will let you “buy a package” to increase your limit - for example, pay $25 extra per day for unlimited premium drinks. But it’s rarely advertised. You have to ask. And even then, it’s not always available during peak season.

There’s also a social risk. If you’re visibly drunk, staff may refuse service - even if you haven’t hit your limit. Resorts don’t want guests causing trouble. They’re liable if someone gets hurt. So if you’re slurring your words, they’ll cut you off, no matter how many drinks you’ve had.

How to avoid surprises

Here’s how to drink smart on an all-inclusive:

1. Ask at check-in: “What’s the daily drink limit, and which brands are included?”
2. Stick to house brands - they’re cheaper for the resort and more likely to be covered.
3. Don’t assume beer or wine is unlimited - ask about the brand.
4. Track your drinks. Write them down or use your phone’s notes app.
5. Drink water between alcoholic ones. You’ll feel better, and you’ll stretch your limit.
6. If you want premium drinks, ask about upgrade packages before you start drinking.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a group, assign one person to be the drink tracker. That way, no one accidentally hits the limit and gets shut down.

What about non-alcoholic drinks?

Most resorts don’t limit non-alcoholic drinks. You can have as many sodas, juices, iced teas, and coffees as you want. Some even offer unlimited fresh coconut water or herbal teas. But if you’re ordering a specialty drink - like a kombucha on tap or a protein shake - it might cost extra. Again, ask before you order.

One thing to watch: bottled water. Many resorts include tap water, but charge for bottled. If you’re concerned about water quality, bring a reusable bottle and fill it up at filtered stations. Most resorts have them near pools or in the lobby.

Is unlimited really better?

Some people think unlimited drinks are the whole point of all-inclusive. But in reality, most guests don’t drink that much. The average person on vacation consumes 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day. Even with a 10-drink limit, you’re likely not hitting it.

What matters more is quality. A resort with a 5-drink limit but excellent cocktails, fresh ingredients, and skilled bartenders will give you a better experience than one with unlimited cheap rum and flat soda.

Think of it like food: you wouldn’t want 10 meals a day of greasy pizza. You’d prefer three great meals. Same with drinks.

Final thought: It’s not about quantity - it’s about experience

The best all-inclusive vacations aren’t the ones where you drank the most. They’re the ones where you felt relaxed, well-fed, and cared for. A few well-made drinks, enjoyed slowly, with a view of the ocean, are worth more than a dozen cheap cocktails you barely remember.

So don’t stress about the limit. Ask the questions. Know what’s included. And enjoy your vacation - not your tab.