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 think that the packaging is very pretty but I haven't found anything special about the drink itself. I don't feel calmer after drinking them and they're so lightly flavored they barely taste like anything. If I blind tasted these I don't think I would be able to tell them apart and I definitely wouldn't be able to pinpoint what they're supposed to taste like.

    Feedback

    They're expensive, not sure if the claims hold any merit, the flavors are lackluster. If they had more flavor I would like them.

  • Obsessed with the strawberry rose mood flavor. I like keeping alcohol alternatives and this one is really fun, lightly flavored, and not sweet/low-sugar. Plus, it's very cute.

  • I was dubious about this CBD drink, but I really enjoy the flavors and feelings from drinking them!

  • I've always been attracted to Recess's branding and quirky online presence. I think their flavor combinations are also unique and taste pretty good. I don't really "feel" or sense any difference after drinking these vs a sparkling water, which is fine but makes the higher price point a bit harder to justify.

    Feedback

    Expensive. Would like more flavors.

  • I like this product, but it is not my favorite. My favorite flavor is the blackberry chai because it is the most unique. I get these for free where I work, which is why I drink it - but I would never go out of my way to buy this product. The packaging is so cute, and I also love the name. The branding and instagram is such a vibe and their paid ads catch my attention all the time.

    Feedback

    Higher doses of adaptogens - there are other canned beverages such as cloud water where I feel the affects much more than Recess.

    Received a free product from Recess
  • Nice packaging, but the taste was not there unfortunately for me. Could not finish the can

    Feedback

    Maybe add new flavors, more mainstream.

  • The brand is beautiful. It definitely gets your attention. The taste is not so beautiful. I found myself unsatisfied with the flavors.

    Feedback

    The taste. It looks like it's going to be awesome, but then the taste is just blah.

  • Great branding. Not so great taste. Pretty much no effect. Wouldn't recommend it to others but it's definitely one of the better tasting CBD drinks. Unforutena, that isn't saying much.

    Feedback

    Increase dosage. Flavor profiles need work.

  • I love these so much. They’re great to take to work on a stressful day, or to the beach on a day off. Incredibly versatile and I’ve never not liked a flavor, to be honest. Doesn’t hurt that the design is 10/10. Holding my breath for them to start carrying these at Costco so I can stock up!

  • Mid taste, mid benefit. I would choose a sparkling water or another alt bevvy ahead of these any day of the week.

  • Recess has helped me immensely during sobriety! Every flavor I have tried is delicious and refreshing. My favorite is the strawberry rose. I do wish it was a little cheaper, and thats why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars. Thank you Recess!

  • I picked up the Raspberry Lemon at Target on a whim before heading out to a day long lacrosse tournament in 100 degree heat and no shade. I don’t know if it was the magnesium and L-theanine or what but I managed to not lose my cool when one of our girls got heat exhaustion and we had to call 911. The flavor was good for a sparkling water too. I totally want to try the other flavors and in the evening to see how it actually helps me unwind without a cluster to deal with! 🤣

  • Love this drink! Taste great but not sure if it calms my mind so much but who cares when it taste this good. Was not a fan of the strawberry rose but I am not a rose girl . Not so easy to find. I had to order off amazon.

  • Obsessed with this brand just wish it was easier to find!

  • I love, grapefruit flavored stuff, and I did not like this. It didn’t taste like real grapefruit. There was no zing.

  • Love the way these make me feel, but the flavors are all quite strong.

  • I've tried a few of the flavors and Strawberry Rose is so delicious that I crave it. The cherry tastes more like a traditional La Croix and less special/unique. Despite, enjoying the flavor, I didn't really feel any differently after drinking it.

  • Didn’t feel any more relaxed, but the taste was nice!

  • Love the flavors! Sometimes not sure if adaptogens work or are they a placebo but still delicious.

  • It’s good but it’s not great. Flavors could be better but I think the vibe is its “hints” of flavor. I get it but I just want either more fizz or more flavor.