Is Alcohol Included in All-Inclusive Resorts? What You Really Get

Think all-inclusive means you can sip margaritas by the pool from sunup to sundown—without paying extra? Well, it usually does, but there are a few details resorts don't always shout about. Not every drink at every bar is part of the deal, and the kind of alcohol you get can really depend on where you're staying.

Most standard all-inclusive resorts offer a nice range of local beers, house wines, and basic mixed drinks. Top-shelf liquors and special cocktail menus? Now that can be another story. Some resorts stick with no-name spirits in the included package, so if you have your heart set on a Grey Goose martini, you might need to pay out of pocket.

Each resort has its own set of rules, and they aren’t always clear on the website. Sometimes it’s unlimited drinks, but only in certain bars or during certain hours. Before you jump in, check the details in your booking confirmation or email the resort directly. You’ll avoid surprises—and headaches—later on.

• What Does 'All-Inclusive' Usually Cover?
• Alcohol: What’s Included and What’s Not
• Premium vs. Local Brands
• Hidden Limits and Fine Print
• Tips for Enjoying Resort Drinks
• Common Myths vs. Reality

What Does 'All-Inclusive' Usually Cover?

The first thing most people want to know when booking an all-inclusive is, “What exactly am I paying for?” The truth is, it’s not the same everywhere, but most places follow a similar formula. You pay a set price for your stay, and this covers way more than just your room.

Here’s what’s typically included at all-inclusive resorts:

• Unlimited meals at buffet and sometimes à la carte restaurants on the property
• Snacks and room service (though room service might have shorter hours)
• Drinks—yes, that usually means alcoholic and non-alcoholic options
• Access to pools, gyms, and basic resort activities
• Entertainment like live shows, karaoke, or themed nights
• Kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities
• Some non-motorized water sports (think kayaks or paddleboards)

Alcohol is usually part of the deal—beers, house wine, and cocktails made with local spirits are standard at most bars across the resort. If you want to compare what’s covered, check out this quick breakdown:

If alcohol is a big deal for you, look for the phrase all-inclusive resorts with “unlimited drinks” in the package details. Some places will even tell you upfront what brands are available. If you’re a picky drinker, always ask before you book.

Just remember, extra charges can pop up. Fine whiskeys, imported wine, and high-end dining usually cost extra, even at the fanciest all-inclusives. So always read the inclusions line by line and double-check if your favorites make the list.

Alcohol: What’s Included and What’s Not

Not all drinks are created equal when it comes to what’s included at all-inclusive resorts. Most of the time, you’re covered for local beers, basic wine, and well (house) spirits. Think rum and coke, gin and tonic, tequila sunrise—pretty straightforward stuff. The fancier the resort, the more generous they tend to be with what’s included, but you won’t always see premium or imported brands unless you’re at a top-tier place.

Here’s what you can usually expect without extra charges:

• Local beers on tap or in bottles
• House wines by the glass
• Basic mixed drinks (like rum, tequila, vodka, gin—usually local brands)
• Simple cocktails (think mojitos, margaritas, but usually not top-shelf)

Bubbly like Prosecco is often included at breakfast buffets, but don’t count on real Champagne unless it’s spelled out. Mini-bars in your room? Sometimes those are restocked daily with beer and basic spirits, but at many resorts, premium mini-bar options cost extra.

What’s usually not included? Imported whiskies, aged rums, craft beers, specialty cocktails, and bottles of wine or liquor to take away. Even at higher-end resorts, certain bars (like the 'premium lounge') serve only upcharge drinks or require a room upgrade. Resorts in countries like Mexico or the Dominican Republic are known for being more generous, but southern Europe and some Caribbean spots can be pickier.

You might be surprised by the little differences. For example, a 2024 survey showed that only about 60% of resorts in Spain included spirits as part of their all-inclusive plan, while around 90% of Cancun’s resorts did. Here’s a quick table to break it down by region:

Bottom line: Always check your resort’s FAQs or email the concierge about the drink list, especially if you have a favorite brand or want more than the basics.

Premium vs. Local Brands

Let’s get real about what’s actually in your glass at an all-inclusive resort. Most packages include local brands for liquor, beer, and wine—think standard spirits from nearby distilleries and regional brews, not flashy imported labels. If you’re in Mexico, expect tequila that locals drink, but you probably won’t get Patron unless you upgrade or pay extra. In the Caribbean, same deal: local rum is the go-to, but top-shelf bottles like Bacardi 8 or Appleton Estate won’t be standard.

Big resort chains like Sandals, Club Med, and Secrets do toss in a couple of international brands, but there’s always a catch. Premium options—say, Grey Goose vodka, Tanqueray gin, or Moët champagne—usually cost extra. Resorts might offer a “premium alcohol” upgrade, or sell these by the glass. Some places advertise “all premium brands included,” but check for sneaky exceptions or only certain bars where these drinks are served.

• If you care about having name-brand alcohol, look for resorts that say “top-shelf included” or “international brands included”—don’t just assume it’s standard.
• Even when a resort includes higher-end bottles, it might only be certain hours or locations, like the lobby bar or club lounge.
• Most room minibars only carry local beer and mixers, unless you book a suite or pay for an upgrade.

Bottom line: if top-notch booze matters to you, read the fine print and ask before you go. Resort packages vary a lot, so knowing what’s included can save you both money and disappointment. If you just want a cold local beer or a mixed drink by the pool, the regular offering at most all-inclusive resorts will hit the spot.

Hidden Limits and Fine Print

Just because it says all-inclusive on the brochure doesn’t mean every single drink is free-flowing. Most resorts put a cap on some things—they just word it carefully in the small print. Want to avoid disappointment? Pay close attention to the details before you book, especially when it comes to alcohol.

Sometimes, you’ll run into time limits: bars may close earlier than you’d expect, or certain venues only serve drinks during specific hours. Some places cut service at 11 pm or midnight, and mini-bar refills might only happen once a day (with extra bottles costing more).

Another thing: most all-inclusive packages include only domestic brands. Resorts might charge extra for top-shelf liquors, champagne, or premium wines—even if cocktails are mentioned as part of the deal. And let’s not forget about drink limits. While "unlimited" sounds nice, some clubs in Mexico and the Caribbean enforce a maximum number of drinks per person, especially at swim-up bars, to cut down on overindulgence and waste.

Some resorts add service charges for room service drinks, or there’s a delivery fee—even if the drink itself is part of the "free" offerings. Check for these tiny fees because they can add up fast at checkout.

“Always read the fine print before you travel. Not every resort defines ‘unlimited’ the same way, and there are often exceptions with alcohol, especially with premium brands or after certain hours,” advises Sarah Schlichter, senior editor at SmarterTravel.

Here’s a quick look at some typical hidden terms you might see on your next vacation:

To keep things simple, always:

• Read the inclusions and exclusions on your resort confirmation.
• Ask staff what’s covered if you’re not sure.
• Budget for extras if you’re picky about your drinks or want premium options.

Tips for Enjoying Resort Drinks

If you're heading to an all-inclusive resort, you're there to kick back and enjoy yourself. But there are a few insider moves that can make sure you get the drinks you want, when you want them, and without hiccups.

• alcohol selection can change by venue: Resorts often have a main bar with more variety, while pool or beach bars serve the basics. Always check out the lobby bar if you want something a little fancier or a special cocktail.
• Bring your own insulated cup or tumbler. The plastic resort cups are tiny, which means you’ll waste precious time queuing for refills. An insulated tumbler keeps your drink cold in the sun and holds a lot more.
• Tip the bartenders. A couple of dollars up front can turn you into a VIP real fast. Bartenders will remember you and might be more generous with pours or offer better brands that aren’t widely advertised.
• Learn the resort’s drink menu early. Most resorts offer a menu at every bar—snap a quick photo so you can remember your favorites or ask what’s off-menu. Staff may know how to make popular drinks not listed.
• If you have a favorite brand, ask! Sometimes the premium stuff is hidden or only given if requested. It never hurts to check—worst case, you’re back to the local rum punch.
• Don’t mix drinks like crazy just because they're free. Most all-inclusive goes heavy handed on the pour. Stay hydrated and mix in water between cocktails to avoid ruining your vacation with a day stuck in bed.

Here's a quick look at what to expect at some top resort brands:

If you spot a crowd forming around a certain bartender, check out what they're mixing up—sometimes staff will have their own custom specials or make a killer version of classic cocktails.

Common Myths vs. Reality

There are loads of rumors floating around about alcohol at all-inclusive resorts, so it's easy to get the wrong idea before you even check in. People often picture unlimited top-shelf drinks available 24/7, but the real story is usually a bit different. Here are the most common myths — busted, with the facts:

• Myth: Every bar, everywhere, is free and open all night.
  Reality: Most resorts only include drinks at certain bars. Pool bars and beach bars might close in the early evening, and late-night drinks may cost extra or only be available in the lobby lounge.
• Myth: You can order any brand you want.
  Reality: The standard package usually covers local spirits, house wine, and draft beer. Premium or imported brands tend to cost more. Some resorts upsell to a premium tier if you want those recognizable labels.
• Myth: There's no limit — you can have as many drinks as you want.
  Reality: While most resorts don't count your drinks, bartenders sometimes slow service for guests who overdo it. A few family-friendly spots even use drink “coupons” or time limits in their basic packages.
• Myth: All-inclusive means you never have to tip.
  Reality: Gratuities are sometimes built in, but not always. If you want speedy service or your favorite bartender's special margarita, small tips can go a long way.

Let’s look at a quick snapshot comparing what’s often expected versus what guests actually get at most all-inclusive resorts:

So, while the idea of unlimited alcohol really appeals, it's smart to read the fine print on your all-inclusive resorts deal. Double-check which drinks and brands you’ll get and be ready for a couple of exceptions. If you want the VIP booze experience, ask about premium packages—so you don’t get stuck with only the well stuff while you’re living your best vacation life.