Resort Alcohol: What’s Really Included and What You Need to Know

When you hear resort alcohol, the free-flowing drinks offered at all-inclusive vacation spots. Also known as all-inclusive beverages, it’s often marketed as unlimited—until you try to order your seventh cocktail and get a polite no. The truth? There’s almost always a limit, even if the brochures don’t say so. Resorts don’t want you drunk on the beach, and they definitely don’t want to lose money on premium rum and imported beer. Most places quietly cap you at five to six alcoholic drinks per day, not because of law, but because of cost control and safety. If you’ve ever been turned away from the bar for "exceeding your allowance," you’re not alone—this happens more than you think.

It’s not just about the number of drinks. all-inclusive drinks, the beverage packages bundled into your resort fee. Also known as drink packages, it includes everything from local beer and house wine to soda and bottled water. But here’s the catch: premium spirits, top-shelf liquors, and branded cocktails? Those often cost extra. Same goes for drinks served outside the main bar areas—like poolside service or late-night room service. Some resorts even charge for ice, lemon, or mixers if you’re not ordering from their approved list. And don’t assume "unlimited" means you can drink all day. Many places stop serving alcohol after 10 or 11 p.m., and some ban refills on certain drinks entirely.

alcohol limits all-inclusive, the unofficial caps resorts enforce on daily alcohol consumption. Also known as drink allowances, these rules vary by location, brand, and even the time of year. In the Caribbean, you might get away with seven drinks a day. In Mexico, some resorts cap you at five. In Europe, where alcohol laws are stricter, you’ll often see lower limits—and ID checks are common, even for adults. Resorts track this through staff discretion, not scanners, so it’s not always consistent. But if you’re asking for a third gin and tonic before lunch, you’ll likely get a raised eyebrow. And if you’re traveling with kids? The rules get even tighter.

It’s not just about what you can drink—it’s about what you’re paying for. Many guests think "all-inclusive" means total freedom. But the real cost is hidden in the price of your room. Resorts build those drink limits into their pricing model. They know most people won’t hit the cap, so they can offer "unlimited" as a marketing hook while keeping costs low. The ones who do drink heavily? They’re the ones who end up paying extra for premium bottles or upgrades. That’s why the best travelers plan ahead: know the policy, ask about the drink menu, and decide if you want to pay extra for what you really love—or stick to the basics and save.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of rules—it’s a real-world breakdown of how resort alcohol actually works. From the exact number of drinks allowed at top chains, to which resorts secretly charge for lime, to how to spot a resort that’s fair versus one that’s sneaky. You’ll see what travelers actually experience, not what the website promises. Whether you’re planning a solo escape or a family trip, this is the info you need before you book.