Resort Drinks: What You Need to Know About Tipping, Hidden Fees, and Best Picks

When you’re lounging by the pool with a cold drink in hand, it’s easy to forget that resort drinks, beverages served at vacation resorts, often come with hidden costs and unspoken rules. Also known as poolside cocktails, they’re part of the vacation experience—but not always as free as they seem. Many assume that if you’re at an all-inclusive resort, every drink is covered. But that’s not always true. Some resorts charge extra for premium liquors, imported beers, or even certain types of coffee. And while your room rate might say "all drinks included," it rarely means all drinks.

All-inclusive resorts, vacation packages that bundle meals, drinks, and activities into one price, are popular for their simplicity. But they’re not one-size-fits-all. Some include only local beer and house wine. Others let you order a gin and tonic with top-shelf gin—for free. Then there are the ones that charge extra for anything served in a coconut or on the beach. And don’t forget drink packages, pre-paid plans that let you order unlimited drinks for a daily fee. They can save money—if you actually drink enough to break even. But if you only have two cocktails a day? You’re probably better off paying per drink.

Then there’s the tipping question. Tipping at resorts, giving extra money to staff who serve drinks, food, or clean your room, isn’t always required—but it’s often expected. Bartenders, waiters, and pool attendants rely on tips. A $1–$2 tip per drink isn’t charity—it’s fair pay. Skip it, and you’re not saving money. You’re just making someone’s job harder. And if you’re sipping a margarita while someone’s running back and forth with ice, towels, and refills? That’s not service. That’s hospitality. And it deserves recognition.

What’s the best resort drink? It’s not the most expensive one. It’s the one you actually enjoy without guilt. A local rum punch in Jamaica. A cold lager in Mexico. A fresh coconut water in Thailand. These aren’t just beverages—they’re part of the place. Skip the overpriced mojitos with fake mint and go for what’s real, what’s fresh, and what’s made by someone who knows the island.

Resort drinks aren’t just about alcohol. They’re about timing, value, and respect. Know what’s included. Know who to tip. Know when to say no to the $18 smoothie that tastes like sugar and disappointment. The best vacations aren’t the ones with the most drinks. They’re the ones where you feel like you got something real in return.

Below, you’ll find real stories, honest tips, and no-fluff guides on how to handle resort drinks without overpaying, over-tipping, or overdoing it. Whether you’re planning your next all-inclusive escape or just trying to figure out why your last vacation bill felt so weird—this is the place to start.