Drinking Guide
Legal BAC
0.07%
Drinking Age
18+
New Drivers
Same
Costa Rica's beloved national beer. The eagle logo is on T-shirts and souvenirs everywhere.
Sugarcane spirit mixed with fruit juice or soda. "Guaro sour" is the local cocktail.
Costa Ricans embrace "Pura Vida" (pure life) in their drinking culture — relaxed and social. Beach bars, sodas (local restaurants), and cantinas are where drinking happens. Imperial beer is such a cultural icon that its logo rivals the national flag.
BAC 0.075%+: fine up to $600 USD, license suspended up to 3 years. Causing injury: 1-3 years imprisonment. DUI enforcement has increased in recent years.
Imperial beer is the national drink — look for the eagle logo everywhere.
Try "guaro sour" — the local cocktail made with Cacique guaro.
Beach towns have more relaxed drinking vibes; San José has proper nightclubs.
Uber works in the Greater San José area and is the safest way to get around.
Say "¡Pura Vida!" when toasting — it works for everything in Costa Rica.
HowDrunk knows Costa Rica's local drinks and legal limits. Get your personalized drink limit in seconds.