I don’t often stay in all inclusive resorts, but I wanted an easy travel experience in Mexico so I’m enjoying one right now.
One of the things that I hate about all-inclusives that serve free alcohol is that the cups in which they serve the drinks are universally tiny.
Here is the tiny cup containing the margarita I ordered poolside. It’s difficult to see the scale, but it’s only slightly larger than a urine sample cup you’d get at the doctor’s office. Suboptimal for a professional drinker like me.
Here’s a secret I learned more than a decade ago. Whenever I go to an all-inclusive, I always bring my own large cup. I use a large plastic cup I got at a local festival years ago. Some folks use insulated Yeti-style cups, but I don’t like packing the extra weight in my bag. The big plastic cup I use weighs next to nothing.
Much better. I can get about four of the tiny margaritas into a cup this size. It makes it easy to stay hydrated (or intoxicated if you prefer) and limits your waiter’s trips to the bar.
Speaking of waiters, tip your waiter well and he or she will treat you right. I find in the developing world $10 a day per person to be a decent tip. You’ll get your money back with your drinks being constantly refreshed and usually heavier pours. It’s money well spent and it helps change the perspective of the “Ugly American” who doesn’t tip at all inclusives.
As to my drink of choice, I prefer a frozen margarita with extra tequila and a salted rim. The crushed ice and salt help counteract some of the dehydrating effects of the alcohol. It’s cool and refreshing in the hot sun as well.
I find that when I’m sipping on the beach, I can finish one of these about every 45 minutes. Out of curiosity, I brought my portable blood alcohol breath tester with me on this trip. At the one drink every 45 minute pace yesterday afternoon I ended with a blood alcohol concentration of .062. Perfect. A pleasant mellow mood without any danger of becoming too intoxicated in a foreign country.
Stay hydrated folks.