Is There a Limit on Drinks at All-Inclusive Resorts?

You’ve booked your all-inclusive vacation. The sun’s out, the pool’s calling, and you’re ready to sip cocktails by the beach all week long. But then it hits you-is there a limit on drinks at all-inclusive? You’ve heard rumors. Maybe your friend got cut off after five margaritas. Or your cousin was told they couldn’t order another beer after 10 p.m. You’re not alone. Thousands of travelers show up each year expecting unlimited drinks, only to be surprised by hidden rules.

What ‘All-Inclusive’ Really Means

The term ‘all-inclusive’ sounds simple: pay once, eat and drink as much as you want. But in practice, it’s more like ‘mostly-inclusive.’ Most resorts include standard alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, but not everything. The fine print matters. You won’t find a global law that says ‘no more than six drinks per person.’ That number? It’s made up by resorts, not regulators.

Some places advertise ‘unlimited drinks,’ but that’s often a marketing phrase. What they actually mean is ‘unlimited standard drinks during operating hours.’ That’s different. Standard drinks usually mean domestic beer, house wine, basic spirits like rum, vodka, or gin, and soft drinks. Premium brands-like Grey Goose, Macallan, or imported champagne-are often extra. So if you’re sipping a $12 cocktail with top-shelf tequila, you’re probably paying out of pocket.

Why Do Resorts Impose Limits?

It’s not about being stingy. It’s about safety, cost, and experience. Resorts operate on thin margins. If every guest ordered premium drinks all day, every day, the resort would lose money fast. That’s why they cap the most expensive items. But the real reason most resorts quietly limit drinks is to prevent overconsumption.

Alcohol-related incidents at resorts aren’t rare. Falls, fights, medical emergencies-these cost money and hurt reputation. Resorts don’t want to be known as the place where people get too drunk and end up in the ER. So they use soft limits: closing bars at 1 a.m., refusing service to visibly intoxicated guests, or limiting drink counts during peak hours.

You might hear the ‘six-drink rule’ from other guests, but that’s not a written policy at most places. It’s a myth that spreads like wildfire. Some resorts might have internal guidelines for staff-like ‘if someone asks for more than five drinks in an hour, gently slow them down’-but these aren’t rules you’ll find on their website.

What You Can Actually Expect

Here’s what most all-inclusive resorts actually offer, based on real guest reports and staff interviews from Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic in 2025:

• Drinks included: Local beer (Corona, Presidente, etc.), house wine (red or white), well spirits (Bacardi, Smirnoff, Jack Daniel’s), soda, juice, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
• Drinks usually extra: Premium brands (Belvedere, Glenfiddich), imported beers (Heineken, Guinness), champagne, specialty cocktails with exotic ingredients, and drinks ordered outside bar hours.
• Hours: Most bars open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., sometimes 1 a.m. on weekends. Breakfast service often includes coffee and juice only.
• Count limits: No official daily cap on standard drinks. But if you order 10 mojitos in 30 minutes, staff will notice-and may stop serving you.

Some resorts, like Sandals or Secrets, have upgraded their policies to truly unlimited standard drinks, even at premium bars. But even then, they won’t serve you if you’re clearly intoxicated. That’s not a drink limit-it’s a safety policy.

Real Stories: What Happens When You Push the Limits

Last year, a couple from Toronto stayed at an all-inclusive in Punta Cana. They ordered a round of cocktails every hour, mostly with premium rum. By day three, the bartender started asking, ‘Is this for you?’ before pouring. On day four, they were politely told they couldn’t order more until the next day. No yelling. No confrontation. Just a quiet, ‘We want you to enjoy your stay safely.’

Another guest, a 68-year-old woman from the UK, drank two glasses of wine with lunch and one with dinner every day. She never got a single complaint. Her limit? Two drinks a day. But she was calm, respectful, and never asked for more than what was included. She got treated like a VIP.

The pattern? It’s not about how many drinks you have. It’s about how you act. If you’re polite, don’t demand, and don’t get loud or aggressive, staff will go out of their way to help you. If you’re loud, pushy, or drunk by noon, even one drink might be the last one you get.

How to Avoid Problems

Here’s how to enjoy your drinks without drama:

1. Ask upfront. When you check in, ask: ‘What drinks are included? Are there any time or quantity limits?’
2. Stick to house brands. Order the local rum, not the imported single malt. You’ll save money and avoid confusion.
3. Don’t rush. Spreading drinks out over the day feels more relaxing anyway. You’ll taste them more, and avoid the crash.
4. Know the bar hours. If you want a midnight snack and a drink, check if the pool bar is open. Many close by 11 p.m.
5. Respect the staff. They’re not there to police you. They’re there to make your vacation better. Treat them well, and they’ll keep the drinks coming.

What About Non-Alcoholic Drinks?

Good news: non-alcoholic drinks almost always have no limits. Soda, juice, iced tea, coffee, and bottled water are included everywhere. Some resorts even offer unlimited smoothies, mocktails, and fresh coconut water. If you’re not drinking alcohol, you’re golden. No one’s counting your smoothies.

One resort in Jamaica even lets guests order unlimited fresh-squeezed orange juice at breakfast. No one ever asked for a limit. Why would they? It’s fresh, delicious, and costs the resort pennies.

Top Resorts With the Best Drink Policies in 2025

Not all all-inclusives are the same. Here are a few that stand out for their drink offerings:

• Secrets The Vine Cancún: Unlimited premium liquor and wine included, even at specialty bars. No drink count.
• Sandals Royal Caribbean: All spirits, wines, and beers included. No brand restrictions.
• Beaches Turks & Caicos: Unlimited drinks, including Starbucks coffee and fresh juices. Kids’ menus include non-alcoholic cocktails.
• Grand Velas Riviera Maya: Gourmet dining with wine pairings included. No limits on standard drinks.

These resorts don’t just include drinks-they make them part of the experience. But even they won’t serve you if you’re clearly out of control. That’s universal.

Final Reality Check

There’s no magic number like ‘six drinks.’ That’s just a rumor. What really matters is: are you drinking responsibly? Are you being respectful? Are you sticking to what’s included?

If you’re not ordering $20 cocktails every hour, not screaming at staff, and not trying to sneak extra bottles to your room-you’ll be fine. Most resorts want you to enjoy yourself. They just don’t want you to ruin it for everyone else.

So go ahead. Have that third daiquiri. Sip your wine slowly by the pool. Order another soda after dinner. But don’t turn your vacation into a drinking contest. The best all-inclusive memories aren’t made by how many drinks you had-they’re made by how relaxed, happy, and present you felt.