Best Drinks at All-Inclusive Resorts: What to Order and Why

Picture the pool, the heat, and a drink that’s actually good—not just some sugary mystery juice they handed you with a tiny umbrella. At all-inclusive resorts, you’ve got a massive open bar, but the trick is knowing what’s really worth ordering.

It sounds like you can get anything, but most of the time, there are some sneaky limits. Not every brand is top-shelf, and the bartenders lean on speedy, big-batch cocktails, sometimes skipping real juice or solid booze for whatever’s cheapest. If you just ask for a margarita or a rum and Coke, you’ll get the basic stuff—fine, but you could do a lot better with a little inside info.

Why settle for the mystery mix? A smart pick changes the whole vibe, whether you want to actually taste the tequila or sip on a local specialty that reminds you why vacations rock. It’s all about knowing what your resort really offers, how to get fresh ingredients, and which drinks bartenders make with pride. If you pick right, you’ll avoid the low-grade hangovers and discover some new favorites too. So, what’s really the best thing to drink? Let’s get into it.

• What Free Drinks Actually Mean
• The Classic Go-Tos
• Hidden Gems on the Menu
• What to Avoid at the Bar
• Tips for Getting Quality Drinks
• Non-Alcoholic Options Worth a Try

What Free Drinks Actually Mean

At an all-inclusive resort, when people say “free drinks,” it usually means unlimited access to whatever’s included in your stay. But here’s the kicker—the resort picks the brands. If you walk up hoping for fancy imported spirits, most of the time they’ll pour you local or “house” labels. That doesn’t mean bad, but don’t expect everything to be top-shelf.

Most resorts work with deals from certain suppliers. The base liquors—tequila, rum, vodka, gin—are often local brands you won’t know from back home. Sometimes, you’ll see bottles with generic labels. Frozen cocktails usually come from pre-mixed machines, so it’s not like there’s fresh lime squeezed in every daiquiri. Wine tends to be from bulk suppliers in the region and beer is mostly domestic—think Presidente in the Dominican Republic or Sol in Mexico.

Even though it sounds unlimited, premium liquor is sometimes off-limits unless you’re in a special club, VIP lounge, or you pay extra. Resorts often keep higher-end bottles tucked away except for guests who upgrade.

"At most resorts, you’ll find the bulk of included drinks are made with local or entry-level spirits, but you can sometimes get upgrades for a fee or with a little charm," says Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, a travel journalist who specializes in Caribbean resorts.

If you see a drink menu with famous brand names or inventive cocktails, double check if there's a surcharge or a colored wristband system. It’s worth asking your bartender what’s included and what’s not before ordering. Here’s what you can expect at most all-inclusive resort bars:

• Local or house-brand liquor in mixed drinks
• Bulk domestic beer on tap or bottles
• Basic red, white, and sometimes sparkling wine
• Frozen cocktails made from pre-sweetened mixes
• Occasional specialty cocktails or top-shelf options with an upcharge

The bottom line? You can drink as much as you like, but quality, not just quantity, is what separates a “meh” experience from a great one. Just knowing what’s really free gives you a leg up on getting what you want instead of wasting your vacation sipping watered-down, sugary drinks.

The Classic Go-Tos

Some drinks just never go out of style at all-inclusive resorts. These aren’t just popular because of tradition—they’re also the safest bet if you want something tasty and standardized, even with budget-friendly ingredients. Bartenders at resorts can knock these out fast, and most visitors already expect to see them on the menu. Even better? You usually know what you’re getting.

Here are the classic resort drinks that bring vacation vibes without any surprises:

• Margarita: Tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice shaken over ice. Ask if they use fresh lime juice—many spots go for pre-mixed sour, which is less tasty.
• Piña Colada: Rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream blended with ice. Solid for hot afternoons, and kids love a non-alcoholic version (Tristan swears by it!).
• Mojito: White rum, mint, lime, soda water, and a little sugar. Super refreshing, and if you watch the bartender muddle the mint, odds are it’ll taste fresh and not like flat soda pop.
• Daiquiri: Not just the frozen version! The classic is rum, lime, and sugar, shaken. It’s sweet but not over the top, and you can always ask for a strawberry or mango twist.
• Rum & Coke: Simple but reliable. You can usually request which rum they use; local or white rum is standard unless you ask for something nicer.

Ever wonder how these drinks stack up in terms of popularity? Here’s actual data collected from three well-known all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean last season (numbers are per week):

Bottom line: these drinks are classic for a reason. They’re easy for the bar staff, most taste good even when made in bulk, and you’ll almost always find someone else ordering one next to you. If you want guaranteed flavor and fun, classic cocktails are your best bet. But don’t stop here—the real adventure’s in trying the hidden gems off the standard drink list.

Hidden Gems on the Menu

Most people stick to the usual: rum punch, piña colada, or maybe a draft beer. Those are fine, but resorts love to get creative with drinks you probably never noticed on their menu. Some even have secret specialty cocktails or local twists that easily beat the watered-down sugary stuff everyone else is holding.

Here's the deal. The best way to find hidden winners is to ask about local or house specials. Resorts in Mexico, for example, often have a killer tamarind margarita—sweet, spicy, totally different from the basic lime version. In the Caribbean, you might run into a "painkiller," which started at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands. It’s a mix of rum, pineapple, orange, and coconut. Not every bartender advertises this one, but it's famous for a reason.

Even places with basic menus will do stuff off-menu. Once, my buddy asked for a "banana mama" at a resort in Punta Cana, and after a minute of head scratching, the bartender whipped up a banana-rum-pineapple thing that was way better than anything listed. Sometimes, the bartenders have their own favorite recipes—if they're not slammed, see if you can get them talking about it.

Here are a few hidden gem drinks worth asking about at an all-inclusive resort:

• Tamarind Margarita: Sweet-tart, sometimes spicy, crazy refreshing in the heat.
• Painkiller: Strong, creamy, and tropical (and you'll never want a regular piña colada again).
• Mojito Variations: Ask for mango, passionfruit, or even jalapeño for a local twist.
• Dirty Banana: Rum, banana liqueur, cream—surprisingly dessert-like and not on every menu.
• Coffee Cocktails: Resorts with espresso machines can whip up espresso martinis or Mexican coffee cocktails for a caffeine kick.

Sometimes these hidden gems actually use better booze because they're meant for guests who care about taste. A recent survey from a travel site showed that guests who chose bartender-recommended or off-menu drinks reported 32% higher satisfaction than those sticking to the usual options. Here’s a quick look at guest preference data:

So, if you want something that actually tastes special, skip the lines for frozen drinks and hunt down those resort specials or bartender favorites. You might wind up with the drink everyone else at the pool wants to try next.

What to Avoid at the Bar

Not everything behind the bar at an all-inclusive resort is a slam dunk. Some drinks sound tempting—colorful, piled with fruit, or loaded with foam—but actually end up disappointing you or, worse, leaving you with a headache before dinner. The main thing to watch out for is any cocktail made with mystery "fruit punch," pre-mixed sweeteners, or the bottom-shelf liquor they’ll pour by default. Ask what’s actually in your drink; if the bartender gets cagey or just shrugs, that’s a red flag.

Let’s talk booze. Most basic resort packages use house brands, which are cheaper and often taste rough. In a study comparing resort beverage brands, about 70% of standard cocktails used generic spirits—think "Ron Caribe" instead of real Bacardi, or odd-tasting tequila that’s nowhere near what you’d find at home. These drinks are famous for nasty hangovers and, honestly, they just don’t taste as good.

Avoid drinks that come out of a big pre-filled container (like frozen margaritas and daiquiris sitting in a machine all day). These are usually all sugar and food coloring, with barely any real lime or fresh fruit. Sure, they go down easy on a hot day, but you’ll end up drinking more empty calories than actual flavor. If it feels like candy and you can’t taste anything but syrup, pass.

Skip anything with tap water or ice if you’re somewhere with questionable water supply. Even the fanciest resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean slip up sometimes. That’s a quick way to ruin your trip.

If you want something worth sipping, use the menu as a guide but don’t be afraid to ask for the real stuff—or a drink made fresh instead of from a jug. A lot of bartenders respect this and might even make you something special. And if you really want to make the most of your all-inclusive resort drinks, ask what local specialties they personally enjoy. You get way better results when you skip the mass-produced stuff and go for something made with a little care.

Tips for Getting Quality Drinks

If you want to actually enjoy what you're sipping instead of settling for the same old bland stuff, you’ve got to do a little homework at the bar. Not all drinks in all-inclusive resorts are created equal, but you can hack your way to something way better if you know what to ask for (and how to ask for it).

• All-inclusive resort bars often default to basic, cheap spirits—unless you request a name brand. Most places have some recognizable options hiding behind the counter, so don’t be shy about asking for the specific brand you like. Say, “Can I get a Bacardi and Coke?” instead of just, “Rum and Coke.” You’ll taste the difference.
• Check the drink menu, but don’t stop there. Sometimes resorts tuck their best booze away for folks who know to ask. If you spot a bottle you like on the shelf, point to it—bartenders don’t mind, and it’s a friendly way to get a better pour.
• Ask about fresh ingredients. Frozen cocktails are easy, but they’re usually made with pre-mixed stuff that’s heavy on sugar and light on flavor. Instead, try drinks that need fresh lime or mint. Mojitos, caipirinhas, or classic margaritas (but with fresh lime) usually taste so much better.
• Bars get busy, so timing matters. Get your drink order in before the afternoon rush, especially for anything blended or custom. Bartenders are more likely to give it their full attention when they’re not slammed.
• If there’s a tip jar, toss in a couple bucks even though everything’s technically included. Bartenders remember good tippers and you’ll get better service or a stronger pour.

Resorts are built to make you think everything is endless and top-notch, but you really have to speak up to get the best. Don’t let the unlimited part fool you—quality beats quantity every time.

Non-Alcoholic Options Worth a Try

Here’s the thing: you don’t always want alcohol, especially if you’re with kids or planning to hit the pool first thing the next morning. At an all-inclusive resort, the good news is you’ll find a bunch of non-alcoholic drinks that totally blow soda out of the water. Turns out, bartenders don't mind getting creative if you ask for a “mocktail” or something special without booze.

Your first stop? The classic piña colada, minus the rum. This is popular everywhere, and the creamy coconut-pineapple combo still screams vacation in a glass. Most bars make these fresh on request, and some even use real coconut milk, not just syrup.

Next up is the “Virgin Mojito.” Mint, lime, sugar, and soda water—it’s light and fresh, plus you can ask for less sugar if you want something tangy. Kids like it too, mostly because it comes in a real cocktail glass that feels grown-up.

If you see fresh fruit at the breakfast buffet, ask for it blended into a smoothie. Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico will often whip up mango, papaya, or watermelon smoothies on the spot. Super refreshing and way healthier than the sweet slushies by the pool.

• Try local aguas frescas if you’re in Mexico—look for flavors like hibiscus (agua de jamaica) or tamarind.
• Ask for an iced coffee or frappé in the afternoon to chill out but not conk out. Some resorts even do cold brew for grown-up energy.
• Lemonades and limeades are simple, but with tropical fruit add-ins (think passionfruit or guava), they hit the spot.

Here’s a tip: let the bartender know you want something festive but alcohol-free. They’ll often get a little competitive and make you a surprise—sometimes these are better than the real deal. And if you’ve got your eye on the all-inclusive resort experience, don’t skip the non-alcoholic stuff. You might find a new favorite that keeps you going all day long, whether you’re chasing your kid in the pool or just trying to cool off.