Drink Package Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Your Resort Drinks

When you book an all-inclusive drink package, a vacation deal that covers meals, snacks, and beverages without extra charges. Also known as unlimited alcohol, it sounds like a dream—until you realize not all drinks are created equal. Many guests assume "unlimited" means you can order a new cocktail every hour. But the truth? Resorts quietly control what’s really included.

Most all-inclusive resorts don’t list their drink limits outright. You won’t see signs saying "Six drinks per day" on the bar menu. But if you’ve been there, you know the pattern: after a few rounds, your server says "That’s your limit for today" or "We can’t serve you more right now." Why? Because resorts track consumption to keep costs down. They don’t want guests drinking $15 tequila shots all day on a $200-per-night package. The real drink limits, the unofficial rules that govern how much alcohol you can consume daily at resorts. Also known as resort drink policies, these vary by property, season, and even staff mood. Some places give you 10 drinks a day. Others cap you at four. Premium brands like Grey Goose or Dom Pérignon? Often excluded unless you upgrade.

Here’s what actually matters: resort drink policies, the hidden rules that determine what you can and can’t drink at all-inclusive properties. Also known as all-inclusive drinks, these aren’t written in stone—they’re shaped by local laws, staff training, and how busy the bar is. If you’re planning a trip, ask upfront: "Are premium liquors included? Is there a daily cap? Do I need to show my room key for every drink?" Don’t wait until you’re halfway through your third mojito to find out you’ve hit your limit.

And don’t assume the cheapest package is the best deal. Sometimes paying a little extra for a premium drink package gets you access to better spirits, faster service, and no counting. One guest at a resort in Mexico paid $50 extra for the upgraded package—and ended up saving $200 because she didn’t have to pay for every drink after 6 p.m.

It’s not just about quantity. It’s about quality, timing, and knowing when to walk away. Some resorts let you drink freely before noon but lock the bar after 10 p.m. Others let you order drinks by the bottle, not by the glass. And if you’re traveling with kids? You might get fewer drinks than you expect—some places reduce your allowance if your room has a child listed.

Want to make the most of your drink package? Stick to the house brand. Order beer by the pitcher. Skip the fancy garnishes—they don’t add flavor, just cost. And if you really love a drink, ask if you can get a bottle to keep in your room. Some resorts allow it if you pay a small deposit.

There’s no universal rule for drink packages. What works in Cancún doesn’t apply in Goa. What’s free at one property is an extra charge at another. That’s why the best drink package tips, practical advice to help you maximize your beverage experience at resorts without surprises. Also known as resort drink tips, these come from real travelers who’ve been there, done that, and learned the hard way. The posts below give you the real stories: how many drinks people actually got, which resorts quietly cut them off, and which ones let you drink like there’s no tomorrow. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.