Resort Drinks: What’s Really Included and How to Enjoy Them Without Surprises

When you book a resort stay, resort drinks, beverages offered as part of a package deal at hotels and resorts, often including alcohol, soft drinks, and coffee. Also known as all-inclusive drinks, they’re one of the biggest draws—but what you’re actually getting isn’t always what it seems. Many assume "unlimited" means you can order a cocktail every hour, all day long. But that’s not how it works. Resorts control drink service in ways you won’t find on their brochures. Some limit you to six drinks a day. Others cut you off after two hours of continuous ordering. A few even charge extra for premium brands, even if you paid for "unlimited." The truth? resort drinks are a system, not a free-for-all.

Behind the scenes, all-inclusive drinks, a bundled offering where beverage access is included in the room rate, often with restrictions are designed to balance guest satisfaction with profit. Resorts don’t want you drunk and rowdy—they want you relaxed, happy, and coming back. That’s why they quietly cap intake, even if they don’t say so. You’ll find this in places like all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, or even luxury spots in India. The same rules apply whether you’re sipping a margarita by the pool or ordering a gin and tonic at sunset. And it’s not just alcohol. Soda, juice, and even bottled water sometimes come with limits. Coffee? Usually unlimited. Premium tequila? Often extra. The real question isn’t how many drinks you can have—it’s what counts as a drink.

Then there’s the drink limits, set boundaries on beverage consumption, often enforced by staff to manage costs and guest behavior. Some resorts track your drinks with wristbands or keycards. Others just rely on staff judgment. You might get five drinks in the first hour and then be told, "We’re closing the bar for a while." It’s not personal—it’s policy. And it’s not just about money. Resorts also worry about safety, noise, and liability. A guest who’s had too much can ruin the experience for everyone. That’s why even "unlimited" packages have invisible walls. But here’s the good news: if you know the rules, you can work with them. Order smart. Pace yourself. Ask upfront what’s included. And don’t assume a "premium" drink is free just because you paid for the package.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories from people who’ve been there. They’ve hit the drink limits, figured out the loopholes, and learned what’s actually worth ordering. You’ll see how some resorts quietly serve only basic liquors unless you pay up. How others let you refill sodas all day but charge for fresh-squeezed orange juice. And how tipping the bartender—even at all-inclusive spots—can get you better service, faster refills, and maybe even that extra cocktail you didn’t think was allowed. This isn’t about cheating the system. It’s about knowing how it works so you can enjoy it fully—without the surprise bill or the next-day regret.