Free Drinks at Resorts: What’s Really Included and What You’ll Pay For

When you book a resort promising free drinks at resorts, complimentary beverages offered as part of a package deal, often tied to all-inclusive stays. Also known as unlimited drinks, it’s one of the biggest draws for vacationers looking to relax without watching every sip cost extra. But here’s the catch: "free" doesn’t always mean what you think. Many resorts include soft drinks, basic beer, and house wine during meals—but premium spirits, cocktails, or drinks served poolside? Those often come with a hidden price tag.

The real story behind all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages where meals, drinks, and some activities are bundled into one upfront price. Also known as all-inclusive holidays, they’re popular in the Caribbean, Mexico, and parts of Europe is that they’re built on layers of expectations. You pay one rate upfront, assuming everything’s covered. But resorts know you’ll want that margarita at sunset, or the whiskey after dinner. So they label the basics as "free" and charge for the rest. It’s not deception—it’s business. And if you don’t know the rules, you’ll end up tipping more than you planned. resort drink policies, the specific rules a resort sets for what beverages are included and which require extra payment vary wildly. One place might give you unlimited cocktails at the bar; another might only offer soda and local beer. Always ask: "What’s included in the drink package?" before you order.

It’s not just about what’s free—it’s about how much you’ll end up spending anyway. Even if drinks are "included," you’re still expected to tip. Staff rely on those tips to make a living. That’s why drink tips all inclusive, cash tips given to bartenders and servers at all-inclusive resorts, even when drinks are part of the package matter more than you think. A dollar or two per drink isn’t just polite—it’s often the difference between a rushed pour and a genuine welcome. And if you’re comparing resorts, don’t just look at the price tag. Look at what’s actually included: Is the wine local or imported? Are cocktails made with premium liquor or cheap mixers? Is there a limit on how many drinks you can get per hour?

There’s no single answer to "Are drinks really free?" because it depends on where you go, what you order, and how you read the fine print. But if you know what to ask, you’ll avoid the shock of a $200 bar bill at checkout. The best resorts make it clear upfront. The rest? They count on you not looking too closely. We’ve dug into dozens of real stays to show you exactly what’s covered, what’s not, and how to get the most out of your drink package without overpaying. Below, you’ll find real experiences from travelers who’ve been there—so you don’t have to learn the hard way.