Dean Ludlow liked the alcohol selection at Sainsbury's so much he picked up thousands of pounds worth - without paying.
The 49-year-old admitted targeting stores in Emersons Green and Cardiff for booze.
He was arrested after being spotted on CCTV.
Ludlow, formerly of Soundwell Road in Fishponds but now living in Wales, pleaded guilty to five charges of theft.
Judge Julian Lambert deferred sentence until October 21.
He instructed Ludlow to remain drink and drug-free and not to re-offend.
The judge told him: "Please don't ask for mercy again.
"Come and accept the inevitable, which is a long custodial sentence."
Naomi Aylwin, prosecuting via video link, told the court Ludlow struck three times at Sainsbury's in Emerson Green between March 7 and April 2, stealing alcohol worth £1,033.20.
He also targeted Sainsbury's in Cardiff on March 14 and 15 and managed to steal alcohol worth £1,342.
He told police is wasn't him at the Emersons Green shop as he was banned from it.
The court heard he had 44 convictions for 164 offences.
