Recess reviews and discussion

3.9

71% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Stylish matte-can branding
  • Refreshing, lightly sweet flavors
  • Notably calming for some
  • Versatile alcohol alternative
  • Inconsistent flavor intensity
  • Occasional hempy aftertaste
  • Subtle, unreliable functional effects
  • Sometimes low, gentle carbonation

Recess earns mixed reviews: the brand’s calming drinks and powders sometimes work—several users report a noticeable chill, better sleep, or a subtle clarity—yet many feel no effect. Reviewers praise Recess for crisp, lightly sweet flavors like Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Black Cherry, Blackberry Chai, and Strawberry Rose, stylish matte cans, and a satisfying alcohol alternative, but cite inconsistent flavor strength, occasional hempy/chemical aftertaste, and underwhelming CBD/adaptogen impact.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

481 reviews and posts

  • I really enjoy the taste and sense of calm I get when I drink recess. It hits differently than other CBD in my experience.

  • These didn't do anything for me in terms of calmness, and to be honest, they taste like if you used a La Croix as bong water. would not recommend, especially with the CBD price markup.

  • unique and nice flavors. the flavor is light and pleasant. the only thing preventing me from buying more often is the price.

  • Love Recess - the flavors are amazing and it feels and tastes expensive.

    Feedback

    The price is outrageous for it being a non-alcoholic beverage.

  • Great taste, felt the CBD, but the price was high for 12oz.

    Feedback

    Better pricing

  • I really enjoy the rose flavor and find these to have a mild but pleasant effect.

  • I'm a huge fan of CBD/hemp beverages and I'd say that Recess is a solid drink. It's not as potent as other brands, but that can be a good thing as I can drink it at lunch and still be able to get through the day without getting sleepy. The flavors are great, and I think that's one of the biggest selling points for me.

  • Tried a few times and it tasted fine. Not sure if it did anything otherwise.

    Feedback

    Half-can versions

  • I enjoyed this drink, I had the coconut lime flavor. I had it with my dinner to wind down. I think drinking it did have a positive affect on my mood and helped me to relax.

  • Reccess’s drinks are refresshing and the perfect treat for a stressful day.

    Feedback

    I would prefer full spectrum cbd to get the full entourage effects, and a little more social consciousness from the brand.

  • I think the flavors are unique and subtle in a good way. I really enjoy how the beverage is not overly sweet. Can't say that I have ever felt different after consuming a can but I will continue to buy these from bodegas from time to time. Great for when you want something other than sparkling water.

  • these are yummy but way too pricey for my fridge preferences! i never buy these on my own, but will opt to drink one if available at events.

  • I like Recess when I want a calming beverage. I think it is the perfect beverage for a Saturday afternoon picnic. Peach is my favorite flavor. Howevery, I don't love it enough to drink daily or weekly. I overall, love the branding!

  • I tried Recess for the first time at their popup in lower manhattan and it was good. I'm not sure if the hemp extract did anything but it seemed like a good alternative to grabbing another soda.

    Feedback

    The packaging felt really cheap for a drink that cost a lot more than other sparkling beverages.

  • Maybe it's placebo but I think these actually work? I first tried one of these during a work day, and I genuinely felt less stressed and more calm. I love their branding and aesthetic — I want to be seen holding this, ya know? Besides the look, the taste is 10/10. I'm a sucker for a flavored sparkling water. Blood orange is my favorite. My only complaint is the price. I think I paid $8 for one of these at a bodega in NYC. I'm sorry but that's INSANE. I didn't realize it was so expensive until I was checking out so I had to go through with my purchase — after trying it, I wasn't necessarily mad about my purchase, though. The price is the only thing keeping me from being a frequent repeat customer. Instead, I use Recess as more of a delicacy — only buying it on special occasions when I'm having a night in and want to feel extra relaxed.

  • I love recess mood - they are amazing! I think the magnesium mix is really great and the flavors are delightful. I don't love their mocktails - I think the flavors are a bit off.

  • They tasted really good

    Received a free product from Recess