Best Drink Choices at All-Inclusive Resorts: What to Sip and Why It Matters

The moment you swing your legs onto a loungy pool chair at an all-inclusive resort, drinks start showing up—pina coladas, margaritas, mojitos, you name it. But here’s the thing: not every drink on the menu is really worth your time (or your morning after). If you want to make the most of endless bar access, knowing what to order—and what to skip—can actually make your vacation way better.

Let’s get something out of the way first: most all-inclusive resorts don’t serve top-shelf liquor in their “all you can drink” packages. House pours are the norm, so the flavor (and strength) might not always match what you’d get at home. Still, there are ways to spot the good stuff or even get a better pour—sometimes all you have to do is ask politely for a specific brand or tip a dollar or two.

• The Real Deal with All-Inclusive Drinks
• Classic Resort Cocktails: What’s Worth a Try
• Hidden Pitfalls in the Bar Menu
• Smart Tips for the Best Experience

The Real Deal with All-Inclusive Drinks

All-inclusive resorts sound like paradise for drink lovers: unlimited cocktails, beer, sodas, and sometimes even coffee drinks—all without an extra bill. But here’s the thing you’ll notice fast: the house liquor isn’t usually what you see in ads or fancy bars back home. Resorts save money by pouring local or off-brand alcohol for most mixed drinks.

That doesn’t mean you’ll get shortchanged, but expectations matter. For example, a 2023 Tripadvisor survey found that about 67% of guests at all-inclusive resorts reported “noticeably different” alcohol quality compared to regular bars. That’s not always bad—sometimes the local rums or tequilas have interesting flavors you just don’t find elsewhere.

Here’s what’s usually included in a standard drink lineup at most resorts:

• National/local beer on tap (think Presidente in the Dominican Republic or Dos Equis in Mexico)
• House spirits for typical cocktails (rum, gin, vodka, tequila, whisky)
• Wines by the glass (usually basic red, white, and sometimes rosé)
• Soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and basic coffee

If you spot branded bottles behind the bar, you’re in luck—just ask for your drink “with Absolut” or “with Bacardi.” Some bartenders will happily pour it if it’s there, especially if you give a friendly tip.

Some resorts offer “premium” packages, or special bars with better whiskey, tequila, or champagne, but those often cost extra—sometimes $10 to $20 per upgraded drink. It pays to check your wristband or ask at check-in what’s actually included, because rules vary a lot.

The key takeaway: Don’t be shy about asking what’s included or what brands are being poured. Staff are used to these questions. If you find a bartender who makes drinks you like, stick with them—they’ll often give you better pours after a little small talk and a tip. And don’t ignore non-alcoholic options; hydration is your best friend in the sun, and resorts usually have fresh juices or fruit-infused water that put plain soda to shame. All-inclusive resort bars can be a blast, but knowing what’s behind the counter makes all the difference.

Classic Resort Cocktails: What’s Worth a Try

There’s always a line-up of colorful drinks at every all-inclusive resort bar, so you’ve got options. But which ones actually taste good and fit the vacation vibe? Some drinks just work better with resort liquor, and bartenders make them all day, so they usually get the recipe right. Here’s what you’ll almost always find, along with tips to make each one better.

• Pina Colada: It just feels wrong not to have at least one. Made from rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, it’s the classic “I’m on vacation” drink. But sometimes it comes out of a pre-mixed machine, so ask for fresh pineapple juice or an extra splash of real rum if you want to up your game.
• Margarita: Beach and margaritas are a match. You’ll almost always get the basic tequila, lime juice, and a sweetener—or sometimes a sour mix. If you want yours a little less sugary, ask for “sin jarabe” (no syrup) or say you want it ‘on the rocks’ instead of blended.
• Mojito: Cool, minty, and usually pretty refreshing, even if the rum isn’t fancy. If possible, watch them muddle the mint instead of using syrup—real mint is the difference between blah and wow.
• Daiquiri: Light and fruity, and resorts love to make them strawberry, mango, or even banana. Blended and icy, they’re fun and easygoing, but again, check if they use real fruit or just syrup. You can always ask!
• Mai Tai: A rum mixtape. It usually has orange liqueur, lime juice, and grenadine or almond flavor. Sweet and punchy—a little goes a long way.

Some resorts even list tropical house specialties. If you see a drink with the resort’s name on it, try it once—you might get a fun surprise, or just a sugar rush. And if you like things simpler, ask for a rum & soda or gin & tonic. Bartenders won’t get those wrong, and you get more control over how strong it is.

Pro tip: Some bars use fresh fruit for garnish. Grab those for an extra treat, or just mix them in. Fresh ingredients can hide a lot of budget booze flavors and make your drink way better.

Hidden Pitfalls in the Bar Menu

When you’re picking from an endless list of drinks at an all-inclusive, some options sound better than they actually are. Not every shiny cocktail on that menu is a winner, and some can actually put a damper on your vacation if you’re not careful.

First up, frozen cocktails. Sure, they’re fun and look good on social media, but at a lot of resorts, these drinks are packed with sugary mixers and syrupy blends. Extra sugar not only leaves you super thirsty, it also spikes your chances of a nasty hangover. Those giant margaritas might use a powdered mix instead of real lime or tequila. If you’re after taste (and less of a headache), ask if the bartender can make your drink fresh or try it on the rocks.

Another thing? Weak pours. Resorts aren’t in the business of sending guests wild, so the alcohol in some mixed drinks is intentionally light. If you’re really tasting just juice—don’t be afraid to ask for 'double' or name your preferred liquor brand (if it’s available). Just remember: heavier liquor doesn’t always equal more fun the next day!

One more sneaky issue is using local spirits you might not be used to. For example, some Jamaican or Mexican resorts mainly use regional rum or tequila that’s less smooth than the brands you know. The taste can surprise you (not always in a good way). If authenticity isn’t your thing, request an international label. Tipping goes a long way in getting the bartender’s attention here.

You also want to be smart with water. Drinks made with tap water or ice that isn’t purified can lead to an upset stomach, especially in spots like Mexico or the Dominican Republic. Resorts often say all ice is safe, but it never hurts to double-check and even stick to bottled drinks if you’ve got a sensitive stomach.

Don’t forget the all-inclusive resort bar is set up for volume, not hand-crafted perfection. A bit of knowledge and being clear about what you want can totally change your experience.

Smart Tips for the Best Experience

If you want to get the most from the bar at your all-inclusive resort, it helps to have a plan. Whether it’s keeping your hangover at bay or just making sure your drinks taste good, a few small moves can make a big difference.

• all-inclusive resort bars are busiest between 3-6pm, so if you want your bartender’s full attention, hit the bar earlier or after dinner.
• If you don’t want sugary drinks all day, alternate cocktails with sparkling water or ask for your favorite spirit with fresh lime over ice—simple and refreshing.
• Most house wines are average at best, but sparkling wine is usually your best bet if you want something decent with dinner.
• Don’t hesitate to tip your bartender. Even a couple bucks can improve your drinks—sometimes they’ll pull from the “hidden stash” of better bottles for you.
• If you have an early morning excursion planned, steady your pace with a non-alcoholic mocktail in the evening. Your future self will thank you.

Many vacationers get tricked by cute drinks with umbrellas. While they’re Instagram-worthy, they can come loaded with more sugar than a can of soda. Here’s a quick look at popular resort drinks and their average sugar content to help you make smarter calls:

If you want to stay hydrated and still feel festive, try mixing light spirits with soda water and a squeeze of citrus. Laugh all you want, but seasoned resort veterans swear by this combo for keeping up the vacation vibe without the foggy head. Want something memorable? Some resorts will whip up authentic local drinks if you ask—think tamarind agua fresca in Mexico or soursop punch in the Caribbean. A little curiosity can lead to the best sips of your trip.