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 don’t really like it. Tastes chemically floral and doesn’t do anything for me

  • Recess is my secret weapon for a balanced work day. With its soothing flavors and functional ingredients, it brings tranquility and focus. A refreshing oasis amidst the chaos, empowering me to conquer challenges and stay in tune with my inner peace.

  • A great alternative to alcohol for a nighttime beverage. I bought Recess for the first time a few years ago to substitute for wine and night and have kept them in stock since. Out of all the flavors I’ve tried there has only been one I don’t like, Raspberry Lemon (I think that’s what it’s called). Their new mock tails are also fantastic, especially the Paloma!

  • Yummy and a great alcohol alternative

    Influencer for Recess
  • Love the N/A cocktail line, the others aren't my fave.

    Friends with Recess
  • Haven’t tried a bad flavor! Great alternative to beer or sugar loaded soda. Need to chill out without too strong of a buzz? Recess is the answer. My favorite flavors are the coconut lime and peach ginger.

  • Recess really does what it says it will. I love how it makes me feel a lil sleepy and relaxed in the best way, and there’s now hangover the next day because it’s non alcoholic. But the best part is that it actually tastes really good. A lot of these kinds of drinks have that weird fake tastes to them but Recess is delicious.

    Feedback

    I never see it sold in packs in stores, just single cans. Online, the packs are priceyyyy.

  • love the concept, love the look, but the drinkability isn't on the same level, and its just not so easily found, so while I would definitely try again, I felt that it fell short of a win on this brand, I tried the pink coral color.

    Feedback

    didn't feel anything, taste wasn't enough to make me want to go out to try and find this again, although I did see a few in a local coffeeshop this week. so you never know.

  • Perhaps this drink was best consumed while sober, but nevertheless my experience was as follows: I tried the pomegranate hibiscus drink and I could definitely taste the hibiscus, but I don’t mean that in a great way… not in a bad way either, but it just felt too grassy to be enjoyed. I loved the can and was excited to try it out bc I am easily influenced by cute packaging but it was just okay. I would try different flavors!

  • I was intrigued by the idea of a drink that promised to calm my mind and boost my mood, so when I first tried it, I had high hopes. Unfortunately, I have to say that it just didn't live up to my expectations. While it was a decent enough sparkling water, it didn't have the unique, game-changing qualities that I was hoping for.

  • Was in a phase of loving these but had to cut back due to finances. Pretty expensive and I am not sure if it works...

  • I saw a lot of reviews of Recess and was interested in trying it out. I didn’t think this would be something to replace a cocktail in the evening, but something I could have during the workday since it promises to be calming and lift your mood and good for productivity. I ordered the Citrus Mood Powder and tried it in the afternoon to replace my mid afternoon coffee. I liked the flavor and it was a good alternative to sparkling water. I can’t say it really altered my mood or productivity, but that could be because I didn’t use it consistently to see if there was a difference. If there was it was too subtle to notice. I use it more when I feel like I need a little extra hydration and want a bit of flavor.

    Feedback

    I did not feel any difference in mood or productivity.

  • I loved the packaging. I got the peach flavor and the test was pretty good, not my favorite. I take CBD every evening and found the effects to be similar if not the same to my evening ritual.

  • The taste is mediocre, but the calmness is palpable.

    Feedback

    Better taste and more variety.

  • I prefer this over Kin! Tastier and more flavor options available that are also great as bases for mocktails. Unsure if the adaptogens are as effective on these, I didn't feel any changes.

  • I really like the idea of this beverage, but I’m not sold on the flavor. I have tried Blood Orange and Black Cherry so far and they seem a bit mild and bland. On the flip side, I’m glad the flavor is not overpowering. Great idea but hoping they elaborate or revamp their flavors.

    Feedback

    I have not noticed a marked difference in my mood after drinking this beverage, however, I like the idea and will continue to try other flavors.

  • Recess tastes just okay – a bit bland to my liking. However, the most dissapointing factor is that I didn't really notice any effect from it.

  • Tastes great, and I actually feel more relaxed! It helped me stay calm and focus during a heavy day at work.