Does All-Inclusive Mean All Drinks Are Free? What You Really Get at All-Inclusive Resorts

When you see "all-inclusive" on a resort website, it sounds like you’re getting everything-food, fun, and yes, endless drinks. But here’s the truth: not all drinks are free. Not even close. Many travelers book an all-inclusive resort expecting unlimited premium cocktails, imported beer, and top-shelf liquor, only to find out their "free" drink options are limited to basic rum, local beer, and house wine. It’s not a scam, but it’s not what most people imagine either.

What "All-Inclusive" Actually Covers

All-inclusive means you pay one upfront price for lodging, meals, snacks, and select beverages. But the word "select" is doing heavy lifting here. Most resorts include non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, coffee, and tea without limits. For alcohol, it’s usually restricted to house brands. That means your rum is likely a local blend like Appleton Estate in Jamaica or Cacique in the Dominican Republic-not Grey Goose or Patron. Beer is often local, like Presidente or Corona, not craft IPAs from the U.S. or Europe.

Think of it like a buffet: you can eat as much as you want, but the choices are limited to what’s on the table. The same applies to drinks. Resorts keep costs down by offering affordable, locally sourced options. Premium brands cost more to import, store, and serve, so they’re usually an extra charge.

What Counts as a "Premium" Drink

Resorts don’t always spell out what’s premium, but here’s what typically triggers an upcharge:

• Branded spirits: Grey Goose, Ketel One, Jack Daniel’s, Macallan
• Imported wines and champagnes
• Craft beers and microbrews
• Specialty cocktails made with premium ingredients
• Drinks served in glass bottles (instead of poured from a jug)

Some resorts label these as "premium" or "luxury" drinks on the menu. Others don’t say anything-until you order and the server says, "That’s an extra $12." You’ll often see a small note: "Premium beverages not included." It’s easy to miss.

How to Know What’s Included Before You Book

Don’t rely on marketing photos of cocktails with umbrellas. Check the fine print. Most resort websites have a "What’s Included" section under the package details. Look for phrases like:

• "House beverages only"
• "Local beer and wine included"
• "Premium spirits available at additional cost"

If it’s not clear, call the resort directly. Ask: "Are premium spirits like Patron or Belvedere included in the all-inclusive rate?" If they hesitate or say "it depends," that’s a red flag. Top-tier resorts like Sandals or Secrets sometimes include premium drinks-but only in their highest-tier packages. Even then, it’s usually limited to one or two brands.

What You Can Expect to Pay Extra For

Even if your package says "all-inclusive," you’ll likely pay extra for:

• Drinks ordered at beach bars or poolside lounges (some resorts charge more for service in certain areas)
• Room service alcohol (even if it’s a house brand)
• Drinks during special events or themed nights
• Alcohol served in souvenir glasses or bottles

Some resorts have a "drink card" system-you pay a flat daily fee for unlimited premium drinks. It’s a good deal if you plan to drink a lot, but it’s not free. It’s just a separate add-on. At Club Med, for example, you can upgrade to their "Premium All-Inclusive" package for about $50 extra per person per night. That gets you better liquor, more wine options, and sometimes even room service alcohol.

Real Examples: What You Get at Popular Resorts

Here’s how it breaks down at a few well-known chains:

Notice how Secrets by AMR Collection is the outlier? They include premium spirits in most of their packages. That’s because they target a more upscale crowd who expect it. Most other resorts don’t.

How to Avoid Surprises at the Bar

Here’s what works in real life:

1. Ask before you order: "Is this included in the all-inclusive rate?"
2. Stick to the bar’s house menu-don’t ask for "the best vodka you have." Just order the one listed.
3. Download the resort’s app if they have one. Many list drink menus with price tags.
4. Tip your bartender. They’re more likely to offer you a second glass of the good stuff if you’re friendly.
5. Buy a drink package if you’re a heavy drinker. It’s often cheaper than paying per drink.

One traveler I spoke with in Cancún ordered a gin and tonic with Tanqueray. She was charged $18. She didn’t realize Tanqueray wasn’t included. She ended up switching to the house gin-same taste, half the price.

Is It Worth It?

Yes-if you manage your expectations. If you’re happy with local beer, house rum, and two glasses of wine with dinner, then all-inclusive is a steal. You’re paying for convenience, not luxury branding. You’re saving time, not chasing premium labels.

But if you’re the kind of person who drinks single-malt Scotch every night or insists on imported sparkling wine, you’ll end up spending more than you would at a regular hotel with a bar tab. In that case, maybe book a standard room and go out to local restaurants. You’ll get better drinks, better prices, and a real taste of the place.

Bottom line: all-inclusive doesn’t mean unlimited freedom. It means unlimited access to what the resort chooses to give you. And that’s okay-as long as you know what you’re getting.