How to Save Money on Drinks in 2026: 7 Tips That Actually Work

Quick Answer: You can save money on drinks in 2026 by planning ahead, packing intelligently, and avoiding the expensive mistakes that turn a relaxing trip into a budgeting crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Drink prices have hit absurd levels — $28 poolside cocktails are normal now
• Planning before you leave beats reacting once you see the prices
• Smart packing is about blending in, not sneaking around
• Small choices add up to hundreds in savings per trip

By now, everyone's felt it. Prices are up. Way up. Groceries cost more. Flights cost more. Hotels cost more. And somehow, a watered-down cocktail by the pool now runs $28 like it comes with a free consultation.

The problem is simple: when budgets tighten, the first thing people cut isn't rent or gas. It's fun. Trips get shorter. Rounds get skipped. And suddenly you're "relaxing" while doing mental math every time a server walks by.

This guide exists to prevent that.

"Inflation didn't kill vacations. Overpriced drinks did."

The 2026 Reality Check

• Average resort cocktail: $18–38
• Poolside specialty drinks: often $25+
• Cruise drink packages: $70–100 per day
• Festival drink markup: 400% is normal
• Average vacation drink spend: $250–450 per person

Saving money on drinks isn't about being cheap. It's about not volunteering to be ripped off. The people who enjoy themselves the most aren't skipping drinks — they're skipping bad decisions.

7 Ways to Save Money on Drinks This Year

1. Plan Before You Leave, Not After You Arrive

The biggest advantage you can give yourself is planning before departure. Once you're poolside staring at a $32 margarita menu, your options shrink dramatically. Know your destination's price reality and prepare accordingly.

2. Pack Flasks With Your Regular Toiletries

If you're bringing sunscreen flasks or lotion flasks, pack them exactly how you'd pack normal toiletries. Put them in the same bag as your shampoo, toothpaste, and actual sunscreen. Do not pack them separately in a suspicious ziplock bag full of identical bottles. Context matters — a toiletry bag looks like a toiletry bag.

3. Protect Against Leaks

Baggage handlers treat luggage like it's an Olympic event. Always place flasks inside individual ziplock bags to protect your clothes. One leaky cap can turn your suitcase into a crime scene.

4. Stash One in Your Carry-On With Pool Gear

If possible, put a sunscreen bottle in your carry-on alongside flip flops, a bathing suit, or a sun hat. It looks normal because it is normal. Beach gear belongs together.

5. Store Everything in the Bathroom Once You Arrive

Once you're in your hotel room, cabin, or rental, keep sunscreen and lotion flasks in the bathroom with the rest of your toiletries. Nothing draws attention faster than leaving "sunscreen" bottles out next to sliced limes, mixers, and solo cups. Bathrooms are boring. Boring is good.

6. Buy Supplies Before You Enter High-Markup Zones

Local stores exist for a reason. Stock up before you reach the resort, cruise terminal, or festival grounds. The same bottle that costs $8 at a grocery store costs $40 once you're inside the venue bubble.

7. Use Happy Hours Strategically

Happy hours still exist for a reason. When you do buy drinks at the venue, time it right. Many resorts and cruise ships offer windows where prices drop significantly. One well-timed round beats three poorly-timed ones.

Location-Specific Strategies

Resorts: Pool drinks are convenience-priced. Plan accordingly and enjoy the pool without watching your tab snowball.

Cruises: Drink packages look tempting until you do the math. Most people overpay unless they're truly committed to drinking 8+ drinks per day.

Festivals & Events: One or two drinks can equal the cost of admission. The savings here add up fastest.

Classy Wino Pro Tip

Our sunscreen flasks were designed to look exactly like what they're supposed to look like. They blend in with beach gear, pool bags, and toiletries because that's how people actually travel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until arrival to think about drink costs
• Packing items separately instead of with toiletries
• Ignoring leak protection
• Leaving things out in plain sight in your room
• Assuming prices will be reasonable this time

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is planning ahead really worth the effort?
A: One skipped $28 cocktail answers that question. Over a week-long trip, smart planning can save $200-400 easily.

Q: What's the biggest mistake people make?
A: Packing flasks separately from toiletries. It looks suspicious and defeats the purpose. Blend in.

Q: Is this about drinking more?
A: No. It's about paying less for the same experience you were already going to have.

Saving money on drinks in 2026 isn't about cutting fun. It's about refusing to let inflated prices decide how relaxed you're allowed to be. For more ideas, check out our latest money-saving travel tips.

Ready to outsmart the overpriced pour? Shop Classy Wino and keep your fun fund intact.