Do You Get Free Alcohol with All-Inclusive Holidays?

When you book an all-inclusive holiday, you’re signing up for convenience. Meals, snacks, activities, and yes - drinks. But here’s the real question: do you get free alcohol with all-inclusive? The short answer? Mostly yes. But not always the way you think.

What "Free Alcohol" Actually Means

Most all-inclusive resorts include alcohol in their package, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting premium whiskey or imported champagne. What’s actually included? Typically, it’s house-brand liquor, beer, and wine. Think: local rum in the Caribbean, house red wine in Spain, or domestic beer in Mexico. These are the drinks poured at the resort’s bars and served with meals.

Resorts like Sandals, Club Med, or RIU don’t charge extra for these basic drinks. You can walk up to any bar, order a rum and coke, and get it without a second glance. Same with beer - usually a local brand like Corona, Modelo, or Heineken - and house wine by the glass. You’re not paying a cover, you’re not tipping to get it, and you’re not getting charged per drink.

But here’s the catch: if you ask for a Grey Goose martini or a bottle of Château Margaux, you’re out of luck. Those cost extra. Same goes for premium cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, specialty drinks from a cocktail menu, or drinks ordered from room service. Those are usually marked up or excluded unless you upgrade your plan.

Drinks Included vs. Drinks Extra

Not all all-inclusive plans are the same. There are tiers. And the difference between them matters.

• Basic all-inclusive: Local beer, house wine, basic spirits (vodka, rum, gin, tequila), soft drinks, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
• Premium all-inclusive: Adds international brands (like Smirnoff, Bacardi, Jack Daniel’s), better wines, and sometimes branded cocktails.
• Premium Plus or Luxury all-inclusive: Includes top-shelf liquor (Patrón, Macallan, Ketel One), sparkling wine, and sometimes specialty coffee or fresh juice.

For example, in 2025, a basic all-inclusive at an Iberostar resort in Cancún includes beer, local rum, and house wine. Upgrade to premium, and you get Absolut vodka and Sauvignon Blanc. At a Sandals resort, even the standard plan includes top-shelf spirits - but only during certain hours and at specific bars.

Always check the fine print. Resorts often list their drink offerings online. Look for terms like "premium spirits," "international brands," or "top-shelf included." If it’s not listed, assume it’s extra.

When Alcohol Isn’t Included - And Why

There are exceptions. Some resorts, especially in Europe or Asia, offer "all-inclusive" but exclude alcohol unless you pay extra. This is common in places like Turkey or Greece, where local laws or tax rules make it harder to bundle drinks into the price.

Also, if you’re staying at a smaller boutique resort or a villa complex labeled "all-inclusive," they might only include non-alcoholic beverages. You’ll pay for drinks à la carte. These places often market themselves as "relaxed" or "authentic," but they’re not true all-inclusive in the Caribbean or Mexican sense.

Another trick? Some resorts include alcohol only during meal times. That means you can get a glass of wine with dinner, but if you want a cocktail at 10 p.m. by the pool, you’re charged. It’s called a "partial all-inclusive" - and it’s becoming more common as resorts try to cut costs.

What About Bottled Water and Soda?

Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, you should know what else is covered. Most all-inclusive resorts include unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, and juice. But here’s something most people don’t realize: the bottled water you get in your room? It’s usually the same brand as the one sold at the gift shop - just not labeled as "premium."

Some resorts refill your bottle for free. Others charge you for a new one every day. If you’re a heavy water drinker, ask at check-in. You’ll save money and reduce plastic waste.

How to Maximize Your Free Alcohol

If you’re planning to drink, here’s how to get the most out of your package:

1. Ask what’s included at check-in. Don’t assume. Get a printed list or ask the front desk for the drink menu.
2. Stick to the bar menus. Avoid ordering from room service or specialty cocktail lounges unless you’re sure it’s covered.
3. Drink during meal hours. Many resorts give you better access to alcohol at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4. Upgrade if you drink a lot. If you’re going through 3-4 drinks a day, a premium plan pays for itself in two days.
5. Bring your own snacks. Some resorts limit the number of drinks per hour. Eating helps slow you down and makes the alcohol last longer.

Real Cost Comparison: All-Inclusive vs. Pay-As-You-Go

Let’s say you’re at a resort in Punta Cana. A local beer costs $3.50. A cocktail? $10. A bottle of wine? $35. If you drink two drinks a day, that’s $20 a day. Over a week? $140.

Now, compare that to an all-inclusive package that costs $200 extra for the week. You get unlimited drinks, including premium ones. You’re not watching the clock. You’re not counting pennies. You’re not getting that awkward look from the bartender when you ask for another.

For most people, the all-inclusive upgrade is worth it - if you drink at all. But if you only have one drink a day? You might be better off paying separately.

What About Tipping?

You don’t tip for drinks at all-inclusive resorts. That’s part of the deal. But if a bartender goes out of their way - remembers your name, brings you a fresh lime, or makes a perfect mojito - a small tip is appreciated. Not required, but it helps. Many staff rely on tips to make ends meet, even if the resort says "no tipping."

Bottom Line: Yes, But With Limits

Do you get free alcohol with all-inclusive? Yes - but it’s not a bar tab with no limits. You get access to a solid selection of local and house-brand drinks, often including decent spirits and wine. Premium stuff? That’s extra. You’ll need to read the fine print, ask questions, and know your limits - both in drinks and in expectations.

If you’re planning a vacation where drinking is part of the experience, go for a premium all-inclusive. It’s cheaper than paying per drink, and you’ll enjoy your trip more without the stress of tracking every sip. But if you’re not a big drinker? Stick to the basic plan - you’ll save money and still have everything you need.

What Else Is Included?

While we’re talking about drinks, remember: all-inclusive means more than alcohol. Most packages include:

• Three meals a day (sometimes more)
• Snacks and 24-hour room service
• Non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, coffee, tea)
• Activities (paddleboarding, yoga, snorkeling, live shows)
• Wi-Fi (sometimes limited)
• Gratuities (in most cases)

That’s the real value. You’re not just paying for drinks - you’re paying for peace of mind. No surprise bills. No last-minute credit card shocks. Just show up, relax, and drink up - within reason.