The best thing to drink at an all-inclusive resort isn’t always splashed across the menu in neon. Too many people stick to sugary cocktails that sound exotic but just end up tasting like melted ice and hangovers. If you want drinks that actually taste good, won’t leave you feeling like a desert, and make the most of the all-you-can-sip setup, you’ve gotta go in with a plan.
Most resorts offer all the basics—rum, tequila, vodka, plus a handful of beers and those colorful frozen concoctions. But here’s something a lot of guests don’t realize: the liquor brand is usually the “house” option unless you specifically ask for something better. Curious what’s hiding behind the bar? Sometimes you can snag higher-quality spirits or fresh ingredients, but you’ve got to ask. Don’t be shy; bartenders will usually mix up whatever simple combo you want, as long as you keep it clear and polite.
Timing matters, too. If you hit the bar during the afternoon lull or chat up your bartender early in your trip, you’ll get better service and maybe even personalized tips. Want to try something different? Ask them what drink they make for themselves or recommend to friends—the best surprises usually come from these off-menu suggestions.
- What’s Really on the Drink Menu?
- Go-To Classics (and Secret Hacks!)
- Making the Most of Mocktails
- Tips for Enjoying Every Sip
What’s Really on the Drink Menu?
Every all-inclusive resort promises an endless parade of drinks, but what does that really mean? It usually comes down to a set lineup: local beer, generic wine, well-known spirits, and those giant premixed frozen drinks people love for the Instagram shot but rarely finish. Here’s what you’re actually likely to find at most bars:
- Standard local liquors like rum, tequila, vodka, gin, and sometimes whiskey
- House wines—usually just red, white, and sometimes bubbly
- Mainstream beers (think: Corona, local lager, maybe Heineken if you’re lucky)
- Premixed cocktail bases like margarita or piña colada
- Basic sodas, fresh juices, and sometimes coconut water
Some resorts quietly stock premium brands, but here’s the thing—most bartenders pour the "house" stuff unless you ask for a specific brand. So, if you want your mojito with Bacardi or your margarita with Don Julio, just say so when you order.
Here’s a quick snapshot of typical resort bar options:
| Drink Type | Usually Included | Surprise Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | Local brands, light lagers | Imported bottles, craft options (rare) |
| Spirits | House rum, tequila, vodka, gin | Upmarket brands if you ask |
| Wine | Simple red, white, bubbly | Imported options at select resorts |
| Cocktails | Classic recipes, premixed frozen drinks | Shaken, fresh-ingredient versions on request |
| Non-alcoholic | Sodas, juices, coffee | Fresh smoothies, coconut water, mocktails |
Don’t waste your unlimited drink perks on the same old choices. Get the most out of your stay by mixing things up and asking what's available off-menu. The extra effort could turn a basic «rum and coke» into a fresh, minty mojito—or snag you a shot of something way better than standard house vodka. And it never hurts to tip a buck or two if you find a bartender willing to go above-and-beyond (pro tip: a little kindness opens a lot of bottles!).
Keep your expectations in check for wine, though—the good stuff is rare unless you’re at a fancy property or book special dining experiences. If you're really curious, ask for a drink menu or, even better, chat with the bartender about what’s worth trying at that particular spot. Chances are, they have insider info about the best all-inclusive drinks the place has to offer.
Go-To Classics (and Secret Hacks!)
Ordering cocktails at an all-inclusive resort can be hit or miss. The trick is to stick to simple drinks where low-quality mixers or bargain liquors have the least impact. The classics tend to be the safest bets: you know what you’re getting and bartenders everywhere can make them.
- Mojito: Just rum, mint, sugar, lime, and soda water. It’s hard to mess up, and the fresh mint tastes especially good in tropical heat.
- Piña Colada: You’ll see this everywhere. Ask for it with a “floater” of dark rum on top, or with extra pineapple juice to cut the sweetness.
- Margarita: Try asking for it on the rocks with fresh lime. Steer clear of ones made from neon green pre-mix—they’re loaded with sugar and artificial stuff.
- Caipirinha: Not every resort offers cachaça, but it’s worth asking for. This Brazilian drink is just cachaça, lime, and sugar—super refreshing and not too sweet.
- Classic Daiquiri: Not the blended frozen fruit version, but the real deal—white rum, sugar, and lime shaken with ice. Crisp, not cloying.
If you want to avoid the mistakes most people make, skip the syrupy slushies unless you’re after pure nostalgia. A 2024 review on the all-inclusive drinks scene found that more than 60% of travelers preferred simple, well-made cocktails over complicated or “signature” options.
| Drink | Best Time to Order | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mojito | Afternoon, sunset | Ask for extra mint and less sugar |
| Margarita | Before dinner | Request fresh lime and salt rim |
| Piña Colada | Poolside, late morning | Try it with a dark rum floater |
| Gin & Tonic | All day | Order with lemon and lime wedges |
Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Some seasoned resort-goers swear by bringing tiny travel bottles of bitters or mini flavor drops in their bag to dress up basic drinks. And while top-shelf brands aren’t always “free,” many bars will pour better spirits if you just ask. Look out for happy hours or bartender’s choice specials too—they’re not just a cruise thing.
Making the Most of Mocktails
Mocktails at all-inclusive resorts are often an afterthought, but they don’t have to be boring or buried at the bottom of the menu. Whether you’re skipping alcohol for the day or all week, you still want something fresh, fun, and worth sipping by the pool. The best part? More resorts are catching on, teaching their bartenders to craft actually tasty alcohol-free options—sometimes even with a garnish game that rivals the boozy stuff.
The key to getting a great mocktail is to ask for drinks made with real ingredients, not just canned fruit juice and syrup. Most bar staff can whip up options using fresh lime, mint, ginger, muddled berries, or coconut water if you ask. Don’t be afraid to get specific—try a sparkling water with fresh lime and crushed mint, or ask for a virgin piña colada blended thick, not watery.
Need ideas? Here are some go-to mocktails that hit the spot at most all-inclusive spots:
- Virgin Mojito: Fresh mint, lime juice, soda water, and a touch of sugar. Tastes like vacation, minus the headache.
- Shirley Temple: Lemon-lime soda with a splash of grenadine and a cherry on top. It’s simple, nostalgic, and always looks festive.
- Fruit Spritz: Ask for any combination of fresh juice (pineapple, orange, watermelon) with soda water and lots of crushed ice. Add lemon or mint if you want something crisp.
- Nojito: Still minty, still good. Just skip the rum. Let the bartender know you want it extra cold and not too sweet.
Some resorts even offer a mocktail menu—others just wait for you to ask. If you’re chasing something fancier, request a custom drink using whatever fresh fruits or herbs are in season. Bartenders usually appreciate when someone wants something a bit creative, as long as it’s not during the evening rush.
Now, check out these numbers. The mocktail trend is taking over, and more resorts are stepping up with better choices every year:
| Year | % of Resorts With Dedicated Mocktail Menu |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 15% |
| 2023 | 23% |
| 2025 | 37% |
So if you want to make the most of your all-inclusive drinks, don’t just settle for whatever’s premixed in the blender. Speak up, get creative, and you’ll get a refreshing mocktail that’s way better than anything from a can. Plus—you’ll wake up hydrated and ready for another day in the sun.
Tips for Enjoying Every Sip
You want to make the most out of your resort drinks without getting a headache or missing half your vacation because you overdid it. Here’s how to score the best flavors and feel great all week.
- Stay Hydrated: For every cocktail, grab a glass of water. Resorts in hot places can dehydrate you faster than expected—especially if you're spending time poolside with unlimited drinks.
- Use the "Upgrade Trick:": Always ask what top-shelf brands are available. Just saying "with Absolut, please" can up your vodka game, and it almost never costs extra at a real all-inclusive.
- Moderate Your Sugar: All those frozen drinks look tempting, but most popular beach cocktails pack up to 50 grams of sugar each. After a day or two, that much sugar can leave you worn out (and annoy your stomach). Stick to classics like a gin and tonic or mojito for something lighter.
- Customize Everything: Don’t want syrupy sweet? Ask for half the usual mix, or request fresh fruit if you see it behind the bar. Bartenders at these resorts make hundreds of drinks a day and actually appreciate a clear, specific order.
Worried about hangovers or just want to enjoy every "best cocktail resort" experience without crashing early? Check out the quick data table below for common all-inclusive drinks, their average calorie count, and sugar content (yep, it adds up faster than you’d think):
| Drink | Avg. Calories | Avg. Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Pina Colada | 350 | 46 |
| Margarita (frozen) | 270 | 32 |
| Mojito | 150 | 23 |
| Rum & Coke | 180 | 21 |
| Gin & Tonic | 120 | 12 |
If you want to avoid leaving your vacation with a sugar hangover, think about switching it up. Mix alcoholic drinks with mocktails or sparkling water, especially if you’re out in the sun. Always try to eat something before that first drink—carbs and a bit of healthy fat help slow alcohol absorption so you don’t hit your limit before dinner.
Finally, don’t be afraid to skip a round every now and then. Some of the best memories come from just sipping a cold club soda with lime and actually remembering every sunset.
