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

  • Cherry flavor was good but a bit sweet for me. A bit pricy for what it does, compared to other offerings. I mayyybe felt calmer but it did not "boost my mind".

  • Very delightful to sip on. The flavors are refreshing and I do feel a sense of calm during my workday if I drink one.

  • Nice, light, refreshing seltzer with cute, trendy packaging... Not sure the CBD's doing much.

    Feedback

    The CBD seems like a marketing ploy to justify having a higher unit price but overall no rael complaints.

  • No noticeable results to my mood after drinking this. Expensive price point at $5 a can.

  • 3.5 rounded up! I would drink them at Sweetgreen all the time. Also, whoever does their content for Instagram is amazing. I love their content!

  • I love this product. It makes you feel a bit chill and I’m also obsessed with seltzers. I haven’t tried mood yet but I will.

    Feedback

    Bring to more grocery stores.

  • I tried the raspberry rose drink, and I thought it was tasty but not mind blowing. Part of me feels like some of the ingredients are marketing gimmicks. The drinks are a bit pricy too...but I would buy a pack as a special treat.

  • I have enjoyed having these on hand as a base for mocktails. I am not sure if they are truly calming, but I feel relaxed when drinking them and that is all I'm looking for! I have purchased their sampler pack with the blood orange, strawberry rose, black cherry, and peach ginger flavors. It is hard to pick a favorite because they were all tasty, but I would probably go with peach ginger because I love all things ginger! They have a cocktail inspired line (alcohol-free) and I am eager to try those! I think they'd be great as a mocktail or even as a base for a cocktail with a shot or two of alcohol!

  • Recess creates fabulous functional beverages! Whether you want a healthy mid-day pick me up or an alcohol alternative, they have it. The flavors are excellent and much better than other Mocktail competitors (looking at you, Kin Euphorics). Try raspberry lemon or blood orange from their mood line for a refreshing summer poolside sip.

  • Mid taste, mid benefit. I would choose a sparkling water or another alt bevvy ahead of these any day of the week.

  • Recess drinks are a bit of a letdown with their lackluster flavors. I was hoping for more variety and excitement, especially cuz I see ads everywhere, but they fell flat in that department.

  • Like the concept of this water but didn't like all the added ingredients. Wish they had something without the unnecessary ingredients.

  • Great product, great flavors! Perfect if you’re trying to cut back on alcohol but still want a fun drink.

  • I don’t really drink alcohol so I love these! All the flavors. Love the ingredients. All clean. Great taste and definitely will keep buying them. So refreshing!

  • I love keeping a few cans of these in my fridge. The non-alch cocktails are a great sober-friendly alternative and their regular line of adaptogenic beverages make me feel calm and at ease during dinner time.

  • These are a big hit at our house! Perfect for unwinding at the end of the night if you just want something that has a nice taste to it. We tried them to help us with dry October. I wouldn’t say they are a substitute for a cocktail but they are definitely delicious.

  • Omg. Recess has permanently replaced my evening glass of wine. Smoothed off the edge and tension of the day without the morning grogginess.