Responsible Drinking Calculator
Estimate Your Safe Drinking Limit
Understand how many drinks you can safely have based on your body weight, gender, and alcohol type. Resorts monitor your behavior, not your drink count.
Ever sat at a beach bar in Cancún, sipping your third mojito, and suddenly wondered-are you only allowed 6 drinks on all-inclusive? You’re not alone. That number pops up everywhere: travel forums, TikTok videos, even the bartender’s raised eyebrow when you order your seventh cocktail. But here’s the truth: no major all-inclusive resort has a universal rule that says you can only have six drinks a day. So where did this myth come from? And what’s actually going on when you’re told you’ve hit your limit?
Where Did the ‘6 Drinks’ Rule Come From?
The six-drink limit isn’t written in stone anywhere. It’s a rumor that spread like wildfire after a few guests got turned away from the bar after their fifth or sixth drink. Resorts don’t post signs saying ‘6 drinks max’-because they don’t enforce it that way. Instead, what you’re seeing is staff using discretion to prevent overconsumption, protect guests, and avoid liability.
Think of it like this: if someone shows up at the bar every hour, ordering shots, slurring their words, and starting fights, the staff has to act. They’re not counting drinks-they’re watching behavior. And if you’re acting like you’ve had six, they’ll assume you have. That’s when you hear, ‘I’m sorry, we can’t serve you any more tonight.’ It’s not a rule. It’s a safety measure.
Some resorts do have unofficial internal guidelines for staff, but they’re not enforced the same way everywhere. A luxury resort in the Dominican Republic might let you have ten cocktails if you’re polite and not disruptive. A budget chain in Mexico might cut you off after three if you’re loud or trying to take drinks back to your room. Context matters more than any number.
What’s Actually Included in All-Inclusive?
When you book an all-inclusive, you’re paying for access to a wide range of food, drinks, and activities. But ‘all-inclusive’ doesn’t mean ‘unlimited in every way.’ Most resorts include:
- Local and international beers, wines, and spirits (usually standard brands, not premium)
- Soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea
- Non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails
- Snacks between meals
- Most meals at main restaurants and some à la carte options
- Non-motorized water sports and daily activities
What’s often not included? Premium liquor (like Grey Goose, Macallan, or top-shelf tequila), imported wines, specialty coffee drinks (like espresso martinis), or drinks ordered outside designated bars and restaurants. Some resorts charge extra for drinks served at the pool, on the beach, or in your room after midnight.
And here’s something most people don’t realize: many resorts limit drink service hours. The main bar might close at 11 p.m., and even if you’re still awake, you won’t be able to order another drink until breakfast the next day. That’s not a drink limit-it’s a policy on operating hours.
Why Do Resorts Even Have Limits?
It’s not about making money. It’s about responsibility.
All-inclusive resorts operate in countries with strict alcohol laws. If a guest gets too drunk, falls, gets into a fight, or ends up in the hospital, the resort can be held legally liable. Insurance companies don’t want to pay for injuries caused by excessive drinking. So resorts train staff to spot signs of intoxication early and intervene before things go wrong.
Also, resorts don’t want to turn into party zones. Their target market isn’t college students on spring break-it’s couples, families, and retirees looking to relax. If one group is getting rowdy and drinking nonstop, it ruins the experience for everyone else. Staff are there to keep the vibe calm, not to be drink police.
Some resorts even offer ‘drink tracking’ cards for guests who want to be extra careful. You get a small card you hand to the bartender each time you order. They mark it down. It’s not a cap-it’s a tool to help you pace yourself.
How to Avoid Getting Cut Off
You don’t have to give up your vacation cocktails. But you do need to play smart.
- Drink slowly. Space out your drinks. One per hour is a good rule. Your body can only process about one standard drink per hour. If you’re knocking back two or three in 20 minutes, you’re asking for trouble.
- Stay hydrated. Alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll look less intoxicated to staff.
- Don’t order shots. Shots get you drunk faster and look more aggressive to bartenders. Stick to mixed drinks or beer.
- Be polite. If you’re asking nicely and smiling, staff are more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt. Yelling or demanding drinks will make them nervous.
- Know your limits. If you’ve had three drinks and already feel tipsy, stop. That’s not weakness-it’s wisdom.
And if you really love a certain cocktail? Ask if they can make it with a lower-proof spirit. Or try the house rum instead of the imported bottle. Most resorts have excellent local brands that taste just as good and cost them less to serve.
What Happens If You’re Turned Away?
Getting denied a drink doesn’t mean you’re being punished. It means the staff cares about your safety.
Most resorts won’t outright refuse you-they’ll offer alternatives: ‘Would you like a soda instead?’ or ‘Let me get you some water and a snack.’ Sometimes they’ll suggest you take a nap or walk off the beach. If you’re calm and reasonable, they’ll usually let you try again later.
But if you argue, get angry, or try to sneak drinks from other guests? That’s when things escalate. You might get escorted back to your room, lose access to certain areas, or even be asked to leave. That’s rare-but it happens.
Remember: the goal isn’t to catch you breaking a rule. It’s to keep you safe and happy. If you’re respectful, you’ll never have a problem.
What About Premium Drinks? Do They Count Differently?
Yes. And this is where people get confused.
Many all-inclusive resorts offer a ‘premium drink package’ upgrade. For an extra $20-$40 per day, you can access top-shelf liquor, imported wines, and specialty cocktails. Without it, you’re limited to house brands. That’s not a drink count-it’s a quality tier.
So if you’re drinking Grey Goose and someone else is drinking the local rum, they’re not counting your drinks differently. You’re just in a different category. The house rum might be unlimited. The Grey Goose? Only if you paid extra.
Some resorts even let you buy a premium package for the whole week. It’s cheaper than paying per drink. If you’re a serious drinker, it’s worth checking the price before you go.
Do All Resorts Have the Same Rules?
Nope.
Resorts in the Caribbean tend to be more relaxed. Resorts in Mexico are stricter because of local laws. Luxury resorts in the Maldives or Greece might not even have a bar that serves after 10 p.m.-not because of drink limits, but because they want to keep the atmosphere serene.
Even within the same chain, policies vary. A Hyatt Ziva in Cancún might be looser than a Hyatt Zilara in Rose Hall, Jamaica. Why? Different management, different clientele, different local regulations.
Before you book, check reviews on TripAdvisor or Google. Look for comments like: ‘They cut me off after five drinks’ or ‘I had unlimited cocktails all week.’ Real guest experiences tell you more than any brochure.
Bottom Line: There’s No Magic Number
You’re not limited to six drinks. But you’re also not entitled to unlimited shots at 2 a.m. The real rule? Be reasonable. Be respectful. Be aware of your own limits.
If you’re enjoying your vacation, sipping a drink slowly by the pool, and not bothering anyone-you’ll never hear ‘no.’ But if you’re trying to drink your way through the week, you’re not just risking your health. You’re risking your entire trip.
All-inclusive is meant to be relaxing. Not reckless.
Is there a legal limit on how many drinks you can have at an all-inclusive resort?
No, there’s no legal limit. Resorts can’t enforce a daily drink cap by law. Any limits you hear about are internal policies created by the resort to manage safety and behavior-not government rules.
Can I bring my own alcohol to an all-inclusive resort?
Almost never. Most resorts scan bags at check-in and confiscate outside alcohol. Even if you sneak it in, drinking it in public areas is against the rules. You’ll risk being asked to leave. The resort makes money from drinks-it’s not going to let you bypass their system.
Do all-inclusive resorts charge extra for water or soda?
No. Bottled water, soda, juice, coffee, and tea are always included in the all-inclusive rate. You can drink as much as you want. Some resorts even refill your water bottle at the bar for free.
Why do some resorts seem to serve more drinks than others?
It depends on the resort’s brand, location, and target guests. Luxury resorts focus on quality and atmosphere, so they serve drinks slowly and with care. Budget resorts may serve more freely because their guests expect a party vibe. Staff training and local laws also play a big role.
Can I get in trouble for drinking too much at an all-inclusive?
Yes. If you become disruptive, aggressive, or cause damage, you can be asked to leave your room, lose access to resort facilities, or even be removed from the property. Resorts have zero tolerance for behavior that puts others at risk. Your safety and the safety of others comes first.