Recess reviews and discussion

3.9

71% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Elegant, minimalist packaging aesthetic
  • Light, refreshing flavor profiles
  • Notably calming, subtle effect
  • Versatile nonalcoholic cocktail alternative
  • Inconsistent functional effects
  • Faint, sometimes medicinal flavors
  • Occasional bitter aftertaste
  • Soft, low carbonation mouthfeel

Recess earns mixed reviews: the brand delivers light, refreshing flavors, sleek packaging, and for many a subtle calming effect, yet it polarizes on taste intensity and the consistency of functional benefits. Reviews praise Strawberry Rose, Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Blackberry Chai, and coconut lime, but cite faint or medicinal flavors, occasional aftertaste, low carbonation, and uneven “mood” effects—leaving some to view it as elevated seltzer rather than a reliably functional drink.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

480 reviews and posts

  • I really liked the lightness of the two Recess flavors I’ve tried so far. The strawberry rose mood is my favorite. It would be perfect for sipping at a lunch picnic or as a mocktail with dinner. The cans make it really convenient and I like to keep a few on hand for when I want something special to drink.

  • I love this drink! It’s bright, refreshing, and incredibly delicious. It’s just the right balance of tart and smooth. It’s part of my Sunday ritual that helps me reset and recharge for the week ahead. There’s something so comforting about it; it instantly certainly helps melt away the “Sunday scaries.” This drink feels like a small but meaningful treat I genuinely look forward to.

  • I tried these because I wanted something bubbly at night that wasn’t a soda with caffeine. The flavors taste more like a light soda than a plain seltzer, which I liked, but they’re not overly sweet. I didn’t get a dramatic “calm” feeling, more just a subtle shift where I didn’t reach for coffee again. I would drink these when I want a treat or evening drink alternative, but probably not every night because of the price. Good option if you’re trying to replace soda or alcohol.

  • I enjoy their drinks, and it's fun to try the different flavors. I haven't had any adverse reactions, and I appreciate the minimal, cute packaging. I love that they have many different flavors, and I pick a new one to try if I see it at the store.

  • I bought the rasberry lemon to try to enjoy as a little mocktail while I spend my Sunday meal prepping. Not sure if it was the drink but I felt sleeepy...probably a better drink to have before bed but who knows. As far as flavor goes I would say it is very faint, I didn't love it, but didn't hate it either. Let's just say I would try another flavor next time.

  • Decent taste and definitely has the hint of chai! I feel like I wasn’t prepared for a carbonated chai drink and didn’t feel much of an effect from the adaptogens but it’s great packaging and the thought that counts!?

  • I’ve tried a lot of magnesium blends, but I was genuinely impressed when Recess came out with both sparkling drinks and drink powders—especially a flavorless one. I’ve been stirring the unflavored blend into my morning tea or latte (currently obsessed with mixing it into the Clevr London Fog). It doesn’t change the flavor at all, but the magnesium, L-theanine, and passionflower give me a calmer, more focused start to the day. It’s become an easy, daily ritual I actually look forward to.

  • I picked up a can at a yoga store opening. Flavor was good with a moderate amount of strawberry and a touch of rose. Carbonation level was also moderate. It has ingredients that promote calmness like magnesium & balancing adaptogens. I like that monk fruit was used as the sweetener instead of stevia or Sucralose. It also has pear juice that contributed to the sweetness and flavor. I was pretty calm at the time of drinking it so not sure if it helped further. I’d likely pick one up again.

    Received a free product from Recess
  • I enjoy the book wide variety of flavors, the high-quality design and also I enjoy all of the potential health benefits that come from the interesting additives that recess regularly incorporates into their various flavors

  • As a dj I get to go out pretty often at the same time at home I wanna always have something refreshing, tasting deliciousness and being healthy and not giving you head ache or hangover. My friends love it when they come visit, same as my husband.

    Influencer for Recess
  • I’ve bought the Recess magnesium drink several times, and it really does have a calming effect. It’s become a little treat for myself when I stop by the bodega, something relaxing and enjoyable that feels like a small pause in the day. It’s not an everyday drink for me, but when I want something that helps me unwind, it’s the one I reach for.

  • If the flavors were better tasting, I'd give this a higher review. But they're just OK. If you really want those adaptogens and hemp, I'd suggest an easier way to get them is with a supplement and then you can have your favorite soda instead. :)

  • I don’t drink alcohol, but I still enjoy having a fun drink, and Recess mood drinks have been perfect for that. I love bringing them to get-togethers, they taste great and actually help me relax . All the flavors are delicious, and I really appreciate that they’re low in calories. They’ve definitely become my go-to drink for any occasion.

  • Recess beverages have a light and crisp flavor. Imagine fruity sparkling water with the faintest hint of your favorite cocktail echoing in the background. The relaxation effects are very subtle but very real. This has become my go-to for unwinding as it provides relaxation with no after-effects.

  • I have the tropical bliss flavor. I was able to purchase a single can from target. I suggest you do that first to make sure you like it. I just though it was "okay", lightly flavored.

    Influencer for Recess
  • I have no interest in dry January and I barely drink as it is. All that said, the mocktails from Recess are good any month of the year and in any setting. The mule and the marg stand out for me. I will definitely be adding these to my regular beverage rotation.

  • Gorgeous packaging and all of the flavors have been nice but I personally have felt no calming effects and feel that it’s really just an expensive can of sparkling water with a gimmick. I usually buy an entire case of sparkling water for $5 so when I pay that for a single can I really expect it to not only taste incredible but actually have the effects that are being claimed on the can as well.

  • So delicious. Really loved all the flavors, the aesthetic, the website, the unboxing.

    Feedback

    A lot of adaptogens require other ingredients to be effective in the body - for instance, turmeric is fat-soluble so when it's mixed with water, it has minimal effect. Ashwagandha works best for relaxation and lowering stress when it's the root powder (vs leaf) paired with black pepper. Wish there was more transparency around this as well as the quality of the ingredients.

  • It might be a placebo effect kind of thing but I really love these, especially the ones with magnesium which I drink when I am anxious and/or stressed as I feel like they help calm me down. Pros: - Great taste - Functional (again, though possibly placebo) Cons: - Expensive

  • I love discovering new sparkling water and if they have any extra benefits, it's a cherry on top. I tried the "calm, cool, collected" flavor. I don't normally like added sugar but it was a tasty sweet treat and something I would occasionally indulge in. I am waiting to see if I truly feel calm but the adaptogens can only help, not hurt.