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 bought the purple one from a bodega in nyc for $5. I really wanted to like this but it tastes so awful I'm sorry. Unfortunately, bottom-tier sparkling water. I get it's supposed to make you more chill and relaxed but I did not feel anything.

  • They're decently tasty! But i'm not sure I'm sold on the CBD aspect.... I have never felt different after having one? Not particularly calming to me or anything like that. Don't get me wrong if someone gives me one or if they're on sale I'll have one, because they taste good, but the price can kind of only be justified to me if I genuinely felt CBD effects.

  • Delicious taste and love the newer "mood" line that doesn't have CBD.

    Feedback

    Pricey so not an every-day drink. But no complaint.

  • Recess is a nice way to treat yourself without guilt, but it's not obvious the effect it will have on your mood. The flavors are great, but I haven't necessarily felt the mood benefits as described. The packaging is sleek and I've found it a nice way to step outside of the standard la croix or other daily soda water choice to feel special.

  • Tried the peach ginger flavor, it tasted pretty good but didn't feel much different afterwards. Just a good sparkling water.

  • Flavor is decent, but nothing amazing. I buy them for the CBD or Magnesium aspect of the product, definitely not for their taste.

    Feedback

    Price is pretty outrageous.

  • The inside matches the outside in this case, by which i mean, the beverage is as good as the packaging. Not too sweet but actually great tasting (compared to most nutraceuticals), Recess is a chill beverage best served cold.

    Feedback

    like anyone, i've got my preferences of the six flavors, and am glad they added a sampler package so i can keep revisiting them all periodically. in a perfect world i'd be able to customize my subscription box but that's just a wish, not a need.

    Invested in Recess
  • For the price, these don't hit the mark for me. I really don't get any type of feelings from lower doses of CBD so I felt like this was a high-dollar LaCroix. The flavor was a bit strong for sparkling water so I don't think I'd ever purchase again. Giving it an extra star because the logo is cute.

  • Some of my favorite flavors & a great alternative for a soda not too sugary or sweet.

  • Took off a star because they really only have one good flavor but that flavor alone makes me love the brand. Strawberry Rose is one of my all time favorite beverages, especially in the sparkling water category. The other flavors were kind of boring or they fell flat but not the Strawberry Rose. It has a touch of vanilla so it gives off a strawberry shortcake sort of vibe and I can't get enough. I will always pick up a can of Recess (Strawberry Rose only) when i'm out!

  • Love recess for a stressful day. The flavor options are so good too.

  • Nice alternative for sodas

  • Really good and accessible at a lot of retailers. Chill vibes without overdoing it.

  • I love love love a well made cocktail - but I never drink during the week and only occasionally on weekends now. I hate how alcohol disrupts my sleep, and it just takes me days to feel properly recovered. Also, not the best habit. I do however like sipping something tasty and special as part of my unwinding routine. I love how Recess has delicious and complex flavors and just enough sparkle to be satisfying. They're a great swap for the sober and sober curious, especially during the holidays!

  • Not sure the product is effective, but it is tasty !

  • I love Recess, and specifically the original hemp extract containing flavors. As someone who is high-strung, the l-theanine and hemp really do work to chill me out. My favorite flavors are peach ginger and pomegranate.

  • Great alcohol free alternatives. Great flavors and not too much sugar.