Is All-Inclusive 6 Drinks a Day? Understanding All-Inclusive Drink Limits at Resorts

Did you ever think an all-inclusive vacation meant you could sip endless piña coladas by the pool from sunrise till the stars came out? Then you booked, arrived, and heard the rumors fly—some folks whisper about “the 6 drinks a day rule.” The whole point of all-inclusive is leaving your wallet zipped up and relaxing. But will you actually run into a hard cap on those margaritas or mojitos? It’s a question that pops up on travel forums, around buffets, and right when you're figuring out if you’ll need that extra swim up to the bar. So, what’s the deal with drink limits at all-inclusive resorts, and is “six drinks” the magic number or a myth?

Where Did the “6 Drinks a Day” Idea Come From?

This whole thing didn’t just come out of thin air. The idea of an all-inclusive resort limiting guests to just six drinks a day actually started to catch fire in the UK around 2022. British newspapers jumped on reports that certain resorts in hotspots like Magaluf (Mallorca) and parts of Ibiza were working with the UK government to curb rowdy behavior—that meant setting a daily drink limit in places where wild Brits-on-holiday energy was going just a little too hard.

What’s wild is most visitors outside of these zones have never brushed up against a drink cap, and even in Spain’s party corners, strict drink limits only applied to a handful of hotels. Some of these resorts, under the Balearic Islands’ “excess tourism” laws, capped free alcoholic beverages at six a day (three during lunch and three during dinner). If you wandered over to the next resort, though, you might find bartenders freely mixing for you all day and night. The point? The “6 drinks” thing isn’t universal—and outside these handful of Spanish hotels, it’s rarely enforced.

So why do people keep talking about it? Social media and travel groups love drama, and a rumor like this spreads fast. It’s a catchy headline for tabloids, and people love sharing vacation horror stories (even ones they heard secondhand). But if you’re heading to Mexico, the Caribbean, or any other major all-inclusive destination, it’s almost never been a thing. Still, it’s a good idea to always double check your resort’s fine print, because local rules can play a part.

Check out this comparison table with real drink policy highlights from popular vacation destinations:

So if you’re a traveler hunting for that true “all-you-can-drink” experience, double-check the location and current news. Those weird restrictions mostly pop up in a few European hotels with a partygoer rep. Clara almost didn’t believe me the first time we heard a reviewer claim every resort in the world gives you exactly six drinks and stops. But it’s just not how most big-name all-inclusives do it.

What Does All-Inclusive Really Include? (Spoiler: It’s Not Always Unlimited Drinks)

Say the word “all-inclusive,” and it should feel like your vacation fantasy unlocked. Meals? Covered. Snacks on the beach? Go for it. Some places even throw in kayaking and dance lessons in the pool for good measure. Now, when it comes to drinks, you usually picture yourself with a limitless margarita tap. But what are you really getting with that wristband?

Here’s what you’ll notice at the vast majority of decent all-inclusive hotels:

• Unlimited local drinks: Most resorts brag about free-flowing cocktails, beer, and house wine. If it’s made with local spirits, odds are it’s covered.
• International or premium brands: Not always included. Want Grey Goose or an aged Scotch? You might pay extra—ask what’s actually on their “included” list.
• Bartender discretion: Even if there’s no official drink limit, staff can (and will) refuse to serve guests who are clearly wasted, especially when safety is a concern.
• Mini-bar and room service: Some all-inclusives stock a mini-bar in your room daily. Some are generous, others cheap—there’s no rule, so check before you book.
• Pool, beach, and restaurant bars: All included, usually with the same drink menu—except at “premium” lounges or clubs.

Tristan once asked why the orange juice on vacation tastes better than at home. The secret? It’s probably the frozen glass and the zero-dollar bill at checkout. That’s the magic of feeling “all-in,” even if you’re not drinking alcohol. For the grownups, the feeling hits the same—no fumbling for a wallet, no eye-watering bills at the end.

A bunch of travelers get tripped up on small print or sly marketing, though. Watch for words like “select drinks included” or “house liquors only.” Those are warning flags you might not get top-shelf rum or tequila in those endless cocktails. In fact, some resorts mix “house brands” that taste a little different—cheaper, local spirits.

Some packages—especially at family-friendly or eco resorts—do quietly set their own drink caps, even outside Spanish party islands. Maybe you’ll see something like “two glasses of wine per dinner.” This is especially true at wellness resorts, eco-lodges, or anywhere marketing “healthy” or “mindful” stays. Again, not the standard—just the niche.

Here are a few tips for making sure you know what you’re getting:

• Read your booking paperwork carefully. If the marketing says “all drinks included” but the fine print has a footnote, dig deeper.
• Ask for the alcohol brands at the bar on your first day. Sometimes “all-inclusive” is strictly domestic spirits, and you’ll need to pay for overseas brands.
• If you have specific favorites—say, Tanqueray gin or a certain IPA—email the resort in advance. If they don’t offer it, you’ll know if you need to pack a bottle or budget for upgrades.
• Keep an eye out for room category upgrades that include premium drinks.
• Remember the law: Some places (like the Maldives or Dubai) have national rules around alcohol serving and consumption—check before you travel.

Nobody wants to face nasty surprises at check-in. The difference between “unlimited” and “six” comes down to where (and sometimes when) you go. In most of the Americas and non-party European spots, true limits are rare. But always, always, always get the facts ahead—who wants to argue vacation math with a bartender in Spanish anyway?

How to Make the Most of Your All-Inclusive Drink Package

Now that you know there’s no universal “six drinks” rule, how do you actually get the most out of your all-inclusive stay—without feeling like you’re missing out or getting nickel-and-dimed?

First, there’s a mental trick: think quality, not just quantity. Sure, you could try to squeeze in ten tequila sunrises by sundown—until you realize you’re not actually enjoying a single sip. I learned this the hard way on my first adults-only trip with Clara. We kept “making sure we got our money’s worth,” but realize that after drink three, you start missing the sunset, the live music, and even half your meal. Resorts want you having fun, not snoozing by 7pm.

Second, learn the bartenders’ favorites. You’ll find hidden gems in the “house special” section—sometimes a classic caipirinha, other times a frozen concoction they’ve invented. Ask for local specialties, not just the old reliable mojito.

Worried about watered-down drinks? It’s real. Some resorts keep the alcohol light, either to keep guests safe or stretch their supply. Be friendly, tip a bit, or let the bartender know you like yours “strong.” (And, to be honest, tips work way better than complaining.)

Here's a quick checklist to make sure you're getting the most from your drink package:

• Chat up your bartender on day one. A friendly hello and a tip can do wonders for your glass.
• Work your way through the local cocktails. Every country’s got a secret punch or signature drink worth a try.
• If you spot a separate “premium menu,” and you’re celebrating, see if upgrades are a good deal for a splurge.
• Pay attention to the hours. Some resorts don’t serve alcohol before 10am, or after midnight—plan accordingly.
• Order water or mocktails between drinks—no one enjoys the flight home with a dehydration headache.

Travelers who focus on food, activities, and company enjoy themselves more than folks who turn their resort stay into a drinking contest. It’s your vacation—do what makes you happy, but don’t base your experience on squeezing out a mythical sixth daiquiri if you’re on a resort that’s not even ticking drinks on a list.

Don’t forget, if you have little ones like Tristan around, sometimes the real vacation win is the soft-serve machine or the surprise non-alcoholic slushie the bar makes just for kids. Those memories beat out any “drink count” drama every time.

So when someone next tells you there’s a “six drinks a day” limit at all-inclusive resorts, remember: in most of the world, that warning’s about as true as unicorn sightings. Read the fine print, know your limits, then go soak up the sun—cocktail, coconut, or cola in hand.