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 did sh*t on this brand for about 5 years before admitting to myself: it's pretty good! I love the coconut and berry flavor, no idea if I can even feel the CBD difference but I usually drink them when I'm hungover so I'm all topsy turvy that day anyways. But, the flavors are great, really good amount of carbonation. Only thing is...that price! C'mon people, what're we doing with these $5 sparkling waters? I had to take out a second mortgage on my house the day after a night out just to feel alright.

  • I see this brand all over Austin, and I really wanted to like it as I think their branding is super cute... but it just did not hit the mark. I had the blackberry chai and the flavors fell flat for me.

  • I really enjoy the taste of these, and the packaging is cool! The only reason o removed a star is I don’t ever feel the relaxed effects I sometimes do with other CBD drinks

  • Love the idea, love the packaging, they were one of the first to market, but I just don't think these work. Any effects I felt were definitely mental and not coming from the beverage, as much as I would like them to. The flavor is also meh.

  • Refreshing CBD soda. Didn't notice any of the functional claims: calm, mind-boost etc.

  • I have had a great experience with Recess- I love their drinks, and their mission. They love to work with creators as well! :)

    Influencer for Recess
  • Amazing flavours - so much so that the effect can sneak up on you. More than once I've pounded these like seltzers and then stood up too fast but will always believe these are one of the best alcohol alternatives out there. Wish they shipped to the UK.

  • The seltzers from Recess are so refreshing. They're a great after-dinner drink if you're looking for something non-alcoholic (I love the blood orange flavor mixed with a little bit of Ghia). I don't know that I've experienced the calming effect they claim their drinks provide, but I'll continue to purchase regardless of that.

  • this was very lightly carbonated, very lightly flavored seltzer. I didn't personally feel any calming effects, but the flavors were pretty nice and the packaging is adorable. but for the price, I really couldn't justify getting this again

  • I had this drink at a hotel I was visiting. It had magnesium in it and I didn’t think the effects of the magnesium would be as impactful as it may have been. I take magnesium supplements and this was a nice way to get part of a dose for light muscle relaxation after a long day. The flavor was really nice, and more heavily flavored that a lacroix but still really light without a sugary taste. Loved it.

  • I love the look and the taste of this product. I don't think you can feel the affects but I do like the taste of this drink!

  • Effectiveness of CBD beverages can range dramatically throughout the market. Recess offers an very easy to drink selection of flavors with high quality ingredients. There is not an overly hemp-y taste, however the quality of CBD here is average at best offering subtle effects. Overall great marketing and a fun brand to follow.

  • The first time I drank recess, it was handed to me on the street in NYC as part of their marketing launch. The alternative drink industry is an interesting and valuable one - I just don’t see the value with recess. The flavors are muted, and the effects of the CBD are hardly noticeable. Not to mention the ostentatious pricing.

  • These taste nice and have lovely packaging.

    Feedback

    I tried 2 and these gave me zero calm/mellow feelings which is the only reason I would pay the price they are.

  • Such a fun drink and beautiful packaging - love their mission. Saw them for the first time in a Madhappy store in LA.

    Feedback

    Wish there were more flavors!

  • I am not a fan of Recess. Perhaps it is just me, but hemp & adaptogen-infused products make no noticeable difference in my immediate feelings and do not seem to "calm my mind" or "boost my mood" whatsoever. The flavors themselves are fine - i was excited by the peach ginger flavor but was generally unimpressed. Overall, I don't think CBD drinks are for me but as a beverage i'm not loving these either.

    Feedback

    I think some more traditional flavors might do this company good. Overall the flavors are a bit abstract and don't make me immediately want to buy them,

  • Recess is a delicious and refreshing drink. I enjoy it to get me through my busy day. I am a caregiver and it helps keep me focused and calm.

    Feedback

    I think the brand is excellent as it is already!