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

  • The first time I tasted Recess, I was pleasantly surprised with how "balanced" I felt. I was able to focus clearly and stress did not interrupt my thought stream. It doesn't hurt that the drink tastes delicious too! Very smooth.

    Feedback

    Price point for Recess is a bit on the higher side, however if you were to compare it to purchasing a latte at a coffee shop, its on par.

  • So disappointed. Extremely light flavored (black cherry) water. Very little carbonation. No feeling of well being. Seriously, you must need to be pretty anxious for this to have any effect. At $6 each I feel snookered.

    Feedback

    Price, carbonation, flavor… effect?

  • First of all, Recess did a great job with branding, which is what made me want to try it in the first place. I ordered from their website and received the package quickly. The taste is light but flavorful and, because it's fizzy, helped me stop drinking as much soda. Personally, I felt the calming effect of the adaptogens which was a pleasant surprise as I usually don't with other products I've tried. All in all, Recess is a fun, unique drink that is perfect poolside or as a replacement for alcohol at a party when you just don't feel like drinking. Would definitely recommend.

    Feedback

    I'd love new flavor options and slightly stronger flavors.

  • Not only does this get me calm and focused but the taste always invites me back..

    Feedback

    Can could have less packaging for easier recycling

  • Women in her 40’s

    Wanna try UCG and your drinks. Can I be your girl to inspire other women with your products ?

  • I ❤ Recess! Delicious and I definitely feel the power of the adaptogens. I find myself craving a nice cold can.

    Received a free product from Recess
  • Tried the peach ginger drink. Quite refreshing and helped me deal with jet lag.

  • Obsessed!! The flavors are yummy and refreshing without being overpowering. Having one of these elevates anytime of day.

    Influencer for Recess
  • I enjoy their drinks, and it's fun to try the different flavors. I haven't had any adverse reactions, and I appreciate the minimal, cute packaging. I love that they have many different flavors, and I pick a new one to try if I see it at the store.

  • I really liked these and found them to have the right balance of flavor and sweetness. I appreciate that there was no aftertaste. The folks at the booth at Newtopia Now were also very nice and knowledgeable.

    Received a free product from Recess
  • I've loved every flavor I've tried. It's definitely pricey (knocking off a star) but I appreciate this as a canned cocktail alternative that makes me feel like I'm indulging without the drawbacks of alcohol.

  • I'm not sure if this is a placebo or not, but either way I feel like it is quite relaxing! I enjoy these drinks as an alternative to a soda or alcoholic beverage. They are a nice special treat every now and then.

  • I love the canned mocktails and the classic mood drinks. The mocktails are great for when I want an N/A option. The mood drinks are handed out at my doctors office and I always reach for one - the tropical is my current favorite.

  • I loved how this truly calmed me down after a long day of work or better yet, motherhood. It was just enough to take the edge off, but functional. Poor over ice in a wine glass - chefs kiss, plus the taste is 10/10.

  • i'm mixed on how i feel about recess - it's a great concept, adoptagens in a can, but i feel like there's a bit left to be desired in the execution. the sleeve of the can with the design is always peeling off. the flavors are almost great, but missing more of a punch. the pricing is also out of reach unless heavily discounted.

  • This is a good brand. I love that they use hemp and adaptogens in their sparkling beverages. But I'm not a huge fan of how pricey they are per can. Definitely not something I can afford to buy regularly over a long period of time. But I appreciate them once in a while.

  • A Recess é aquela pausa perfeita que a gente não sabia que precisava. 🫧✨ Experimentei as bebidas e fiquei impressionado com o equilíbrio entre sabor leve e sensação real de calma. Dá pra sentir a diferença — é refrescante, mas também traz uma clareza mental suave, diferente de qualquer outra bebida funcional que já provei. O que mais me encanta é o conceito por trás da marca: não é só uma bebida, é um lembrete de que equilíbrio e tranquilidade também podem vir em uma lata. As embalagens são lindas, o sabor é sofisticado e a proposta de bem-estar é autêntica. Definitivamente virou parte da minha rotina de autocuidado — o tipo de produto que a gente quer sempre ter por perto. 🌿💜

  • Good mocktail. I started buying the strawberry rose because I liked the look of the can, the flavor and the ingredients. I liked it poured over ice in a stemless wine glass. It’s a fun mocktail and has adaptogens and magnesium! I’ll continue to buy them and replace alcoholic drinks with these instead.