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 love these drinks! I really don't feel much of a difference from them, but they taste great, have great branding, and an AWESOME website!

  • Recess is fantastic! They have really fun flavors and such a cute design. Their mood line is my favorite, although I don't feel that my mood drastically changes while consuming one of these. I highly recommend!

  • Super yummy and effective beverage that is fun to consume over lunch during the workweek. I purchase these as a single can from the mini, local grocery/corner store chain, Royal Blue, in Austin. I do feel slightly calmer and the taste is mild so it doesn't overpower your palette or complete with food.

  • Kind of a weird taste but mostly they are just so expensive for a little to no effect. I can't justify the cost and flavor.

  • I’m not a huge fan. Like other reviewers have said it’s more like a minimally flavored sparkly water. Like the idea of CBD in a nice tasting way, but it’s not going to make a big difference or make you feel different

  • The branding is gorgeous and they taste good, but I didn't really feel the CBD so it is hard to justify the price.

  • To me, they're just okay. They taste a lot like water with a smidge hint of the flavor. I personally wouldn't purchase it but if its available at someone's party or office for free, I'd enjoy it. I'm not entirely sure I felt the effects of this either. Love the branding though!

  • I've been working on reducing my alcohol intake over the past year, and Recess mocktails have become my go-to. Sipping on these has transformed my social drinking habits, and I couldn't recommend them more. The Paloma alternative is a must-try for anyone looking to cut down on alcoholic beverages. 11/10

  • I'm sorry - I love the branding and their social, but I have tried a few times (several flavors) and just hate the taste.

  • I loved this drink however the price is unaffordable and it would be cheaper for me to just drink an alcholic beverage. Also i wish I liked it, but the flavor strawberry feels and tastes artifical! I do not recomend this product

  • nice flavors but not feeling recess. I'm finally done with adaptogens bc they're mostly a placebo effect.

  • Recently quit drinking and obsessed .I buy the powder packets and add to my own sparkling water.. The tangerine grapefruit is my favorite flavor and rose is decent too. All the cans taste good, but I prefer to add to a cup at work. Calms me and no weird flavor in the powder. It gets chalky in the cup, but not an issue just need to stir up really well. I also like that you can buy a larger powder portion. Swapped my wine for these drinks and NEVER going back.

  • The sparkling water is okay, you can mix it with many flavors. However, the packaging is so cute.

  • The flavors are a hit or miss for me- the peach one is my absolute fave! I don't really feel relaxed or chilled out after. If anything, it might be a placebo. It's a nice drink if you want to treat yourself but don't want to grab a sugary drink or soda, but I'm not fiending for it or going out of my way to buy a case.