Alcohol in Costa Rica: Prices, Laws, What You Have to Try

Are you planning to enjoy a cold beer on the beach or try some local rum during your Costa Rica trip? You’re in luck! Costa Rica has a fun, laid-back drinking culture, but there are a few important things to know before popping open that local beer.

We wrote this guide to cover everything you need to know about drinking in Costa Rica: the laws, where you can buy alcohol, local drinks to try, when you can’t buy alcohol (yes, there are restrictions), and a few money-saving tips we’ve learned along the way.

Costa Rica Drinking Laws

Let’s start with the basics.

• Legal Drinking Age: You must be 18 years old to purchase or drink alcohol in Costa Rica. Most bars and stores don’t card aggressively, but always carry ID (a passport or photo of it usually works).
• Public Drinking: It’s technically illegal to drink in public spaces like beaches, parks, and sidewalks. That said, I’ve never seen this enforced. Actually, I didn’t even realize it was illegal until researching for this article. You’ll often see people sipping beers on the beach or in parks without issue. I don’t think the police will bother you unless you are being belligerent.
• Drunk Driving: Absolutely do not drive if you’ve been drinking. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and enforcement is taken seriously. Fines are steep, and you could even be detained or face jail time depending on the situation.
• Dry Laws: Alcohol sales can be restricted on election days and major religious holidays, most notably Holy Thursday and Good Friday during Semana Santa. Some towns enforce this strictly, while others are more relaxed. It often depends on the local municipality.

Where to Buy Alcohol in Costa Rica

• Supermarkets: You can buy alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor) in just about every major grocery store. Look for chains like Auto Mercado, Super Más, Maxi Pali, and Pali. Smaller mini markets may carry a more limited selection, but are sometimes cheaper. Thomas often buys rum from our local Chinese grocery store. It’s almost always cheaper than the bigger chain supermarkets.
• Liquor Stores (“Licorerías”): These specialize in spirits and often have better selections of rum, tequila, and imported wines. They also sometimes sell cocktail mixers and nicer wines not found in supermarkets.
• Bars & Restaurants: Bars and restaurants across the country are licensed to serve alcohol. Most places have beer, basic cocktails, and sometimes local specialties (like chiliguaro shots!).
• Duty-Free Shops: Here’s a money-saving tip: You’re allowed to buy up to 5 liters of alcohol per person at the duty-free shop in the baggage claim area at the San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) airport.

Alcoholic Drinks to Try in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not disappoint in the drinks department. From national beers to sugarcane liquor to tropical cocktails you’ve probably never heard of, here’s some alcoholic beverages to try during your trip.

Beers

Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Costa Rica.

Here are some local options to try:

• Imperial: The classic Costa Rican lager and probably the most recognizable beer in the country.
• Imperial Light: Want something even lighter? Thomas always goes for Imperial Light when it’s super hot out, lower alcohol content and a bit more refreshing. It is 3.5% alcohol by volume.
• Imperial Silver: My personal go-to! It’s slightly smoother than regular Imperial with a clean, balanced finish. Great for beach days or sipping while watching the sunset. It is 4.5% alcohol by volume.
• Pilsen: Another national favorite, with a slightly more bitter and malty taste than Imperial.
• Bavaria: Available in several styles (Light, Gold, Dark).
• Rock Ice: This citrusy beer is popular among younger locals and often comes in fruit-infused varieties like lime or mango.
• Craft Beers: Costa Rica actually has a decent craft beer scene. In most larger towns, you will find at least one craft brewery to try out. We have a guide to craft beer for more info.

Pro tip: Most beers are served in bottles, and if you’re at a local soda (small restaurant), don’t be surprised if it arrives wrapped in a napkin. It’s a Costa Rican thing—they say it keeps the beer colder!

Cocktails & Mixes

In the mood for something a little stronger or more tropical? These Costa Rican cocktails and mixed drinks are worth a try:

• Chiliguaro: A fiery local shot made from guaro (Costa Rica’s sugarcane liquor), tomato juice, lime, hot sauce, and salt. You’ll find these at almost every bar.
• Guaro Sour: Made with guaro, lime juice, and sugar. Like a rum sour but lighter and more refreshing.
• Pipa con Ron: Buy a cold pipa (green coconut) from a roadside stand, take a few sips, and pour in your own rum. Tropical vibes in a nutshell.
• Michelada: This is how I usually drink beer in Costa Rica. Add lime juice and salt to a beer, and serve it in a salt-rimmed glass over ice. I know, I’m married to a German, and this is a true crime against the Reinheitsgebot. Feel free to judge me, but I promise it’s amazing.
• Frozen Cocktails: You’ll find frozen daiquiris, piña coladas, and mojitos at most tourist bars. Many use fresh tropical fruit like mango, passionfruit, or guanábana.

For more info, including recipes, check out our Guide to Cocktails in Costa Rica

Wine

As a wine lover, I’ve got to say you’ll probably be disappointed with the wine situation in Costa Rica. It’s not that the selection is horrible, but man, wine is expensive here!

• Chilean and Argentine wines are the most common and affordable. These are generally of decent quality and easy to find at grocery stores and liquor shops.
• Boxed Wine (Vino en Caja): A popular budget option among locals and travelers alike. It’s not winning any awards, but it’s perfect for a relaxed evening on your balcony or a beach picnic.
• Wine by the Glass: At restaurants, expect to pay a bit more for a glass of wine, and selection might be limited outside of nicer establishments.

Liquors & Local Spirits

• Cacique Guaro: Costa Rica’s national spirit, made from distilled sugarcane. It’s clear, smooth, and cheap. Best enjoyed in a guaro sour or as a shot in a spicy chiliguaro.
• Ron Centenario: A locally produced aged rum that’s smooth and flavorful. Try the 12- or 20-year varieties for sipping.
• Imported Liquors: Tequila, vodka, whiskey, and gin are widely available, especially in supermarkets and liquor stores. Just expect to pay more than you would at home due to import taxes.

How Much Does Alcohol Cost in Costa Rica?

Alcohol prices in Costa Rica vary depending on what you’re drinking, where you’re buying it, and how touristy the area is.

Here’s a general breakdown to help you plan:

Alcohol Prices at Grocery Stores

These are average prices you’ll find at major grocery stores like Auto Mercado, Maxi Pali, and small neighborhood minisupers. I just checked the Auto Mercado website to make this as accurate as possible.

Beer

• Imperial / Pilsen six pack: ₡5,200 (about $10)
• Budweiser six pack: ₡4,535 (about $9)
• Craft Beer (local or imported): ₡2,000–₡3,000 per bottle ($4–$6)

Spirits

• Cacique Guaro (1 L): ₡3,500–₡5,000 ($7–$10)
• Ron Centenario (750 mL): ₡6,000–₡20,000 ($12–$40) depending on the age
• Vodka/Tequila/Whiskey (Imported): ₡12,000–₡25,000+ ($24–$50+)

Wine

• Basic Chilean or Argentine wine (750 mL): For an average wine, expect to pay about $20 or more
• Boxed wine (1L): On averageyou will spend $7 or more

Prices at Bars & Restaurants

Prices increase quite a bit once you’re ordering at a restaurant or bar, especially in beach towns or resorts. Here’s a ballpark:

Beer

• Local beer (bottle): ₡1,800–₡2,500 ($3.25–$4.75)
• Imported beer or craft: ₡3,000–₡5,000 ($6–$10)

Cocktails

• Basic cocktails (rum & coke, guaro sour): ₡3,000–₡4,500 ($6–$9)
• Fancy cocktails (mojitos, piña coladas): ₡5,000–₡8,000 ($9–$14)
• Chiliguaro shots (per shot): ₡1,000–₡2,000 ($2–$3.75)

Wine

• Glass of house wine: ₡3,000–₡5,000 ($5.50–$9)
• Bottle of wine: ₡12,000–₡30,000+ ($20–$55+)

Expect higher prices in:

• Tourist hotspots like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, and Santa Teresa
• Remote beach towns where transport and supply costs are higher

Money-Saving Tips for Drinking in Costa Rica

Drinking in Costa Rica doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are our top tips to help you enjoy local drinks without overspending.

Before You Start Drinking

• Buy Alcohol at Duty-Free (Airport): When you land at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), you’ll see a duty-free shop just before exiting customs. You’re allowed to buy up to 5 liters per person, and prices (especially for wine and spirits) are much cheaper than in local stores. Stock up here if you’re staying in a vacation rental.
• Stick to Local Brands: Imported liquors and wines can be expensive due to import taxes. Local beers, rum (Ron Centenario), and guaro (Cacique) are not only cheaper but also part of the Costa Rican experience.
• Boxed Wine = Budget Win: If you’re a wine drinker, consider buying vino en caja (boxed wine). Brands like Clos are popular and cost around $10 for a liter. It’s not fancy, but it does the trick for a sunset on the balcony.

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While Out & About

• Look for Happy Hour Deals: Especially in beach towns like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Puerto Viejo, you’ll find 2-for-1 drink specials during the late afternoon. Ask your server or check signs outside.
• Order Micheladas: Instead of a cocktail, try a michelada. It’s cheaper, refreshing, and made with beer plus lime, salt. Perfect for warm days.
• Avoid Resort Mini Bars: Prices in hotel mini bars are usually wildly inflated. Buy your drinks at a nearby grocery store or liquor store instead.
• Share a Bottle: If you’re with friends or staying at a vacation rental, buying a bottle of rum or guaro and mixing your own drinks is way more affordable than buying individual cocktails.
• Skip Overpriced Cocktails: A cocktail with imported vodka or gin can cost upwards of $12 in touristy areas. Ask for a local version with guaro or Ron Centenario to save money.

Alcohol Safety Tips in Costa Rica

Like anywhere, it’s important to stay safe and aware, especially when you’re in a new country. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy your drinks without any regrets.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Costa Rica has strict drunk driving laws, and police regularly set up sobriety checkpoints, especially around holidays and weekends.

• The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (roughly one drink).
• Penalties can include fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time in serious cases.
• Road conditions in rural areas can be tricky at night, and signage may be limited.

Best option: If you want to drink while out somewhere, take a taxi, assign a designated driver if you have a rental car, or walk to a restaurant near where you are staying.

Ice & Water in Cocktails

At some bars and restaurants, ice is made with filtered water and is safe to consume. And, in Costa Rica, the tap water is generally fine to drink.

However, if you have a super sensitive stomach, you may want to skip the cocktails with ice that may have been made from the tap.

We have never had any issues in Costa Rica, but Thomas got very sick once in Nicaragua from drinking a cocktail with ice.

Beware of Counterfeit Liquor

While counterfeit alcohol isn’t a widespread issue in Costa Rica, it’s something I’ve kept an eye on over the past few years due to incidents in other countries.

In some places, unregulated or homemade liquor has caused serious illness and even death due to methanol poisoning (a toxic substance sometimes found in poorly distilled spirits).

This usually isn’t something you’ll encounter in Costa Rica, especially if you’re drinking at established bars or buying from reputable stores. But to be safe:

• Avoid unsealed, unlabeled, or suspiciously cheap bottles (especially in rural or off-the-grid areas).
• Stick to well-known brands like Cacique, Centenario, or imported spirits from supermarkets and licensed liquor stores.
• Drink at bars and restaurants with good reputations, especially in tourist areas.
• If something smells off or tastes weird, trust your gut and skip it. Better safe than sorry.

Again, this isn’t meant to scare you, just a reminder to be aware and smart about where your drinks are coming from.

Watch Your Drink

Just like anywhere in the world:

• Never leave your drink unattended at a bar or club.
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers unless you saw them being poured or opened.
• Stick with friends, and keep an eye on each other.

Pro Tip: Ordering bottled beer is a safer bet. You’ll see the bartender open it, and you can cover the top with your thumb when you’re not drinking it.

Know Your Surroundings

Crime is not super common in Costa Rica, but petty theft does sometimes happen. Tourists who are intoxicated and walking around at night can be a prime target.

If you’re heading out for drinks:

• Avoid wandering dark or isolated areas at night, especially in unfamiliar towns.
• Take registered taxis or rideshares if walking doesn’t feel safe.
• Ask your hotel staff or host if there are areas to avoid after dark.
• Only bring enough cash for the night + one payment card which you can easily cancel if it is stolen.

Stay Hydrated

The heat and humidity in this country are no joke. It is so easy to get dehydrated and not even realize it at first. That being said, be careful when drinking alcohol. You may get drunk or feel unwell way faster than you expect here.

If you’re feeling unwell:

• Sip water or a hydrating drink (even Gatorade from the corner store).
• Avoid strong sun exposure.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
• Coconut water (pipa fría) is also great for staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes.
• Don’t push through it. Take a break and rest.

Bonus Tips for Enjoying Alcohol in Costa Rica

Before you grab that bottle of guaro or a six-pack of Imperial, here are a few extra things to know that’ll make your drinking experience even better:

• Say “¡Salud!”: It’s the Costa Rican version of “cheers” and is commonly said before clinking glasses or taking a shot.
• Bottle Returns: Many local beers are sold in returnable glass bottles, especially in supermarkets and local shops. You’ll pay a small deposit (usually ₡100–₡150) per bottle, which you get back when you return them. Hold onto your receipt and bring the empties back to the store or pulpería where you bought them.
• Recycling: If you’re heading to the beach or on the go, buy cans instead of bottles. They’re easier to recycle and reduce the risk of broken glass (especially in nature areas where glass is discouraged or banned). Your hotel or Airbnb most likely has recycling bins.
• Book a Hotel with a Fridge (or Go for a Vacation Rental): Having a place to chill your drinks is a game-changer.
• Don’t Forget the Opener: Many local beers still come in non-twist bottles. Grab a cheap bottle opener or bring one from home (unless you’re a skilled German like my Thomas, who can open a beer bottle on literally anything).

Whether you’re sipping an Imperial on the beach, trying your first chiliguaro shot, or mixing a guaro sour in your Airbnb, drinking in Costa Rica can be a fun part of the experience (as long as you do it responsibly).

Just remember to stay hydrated, be mindful of local laws, and try something new while you’re here.

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