Recess reviews and discussion

3.9

71% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Elegant, minimalist packaging aesthetic
  • Light, refreshing flavor profiles
  • Notably calming, subtle effect
  • Versatile nonalcoholic cocktail alternative
  • Inconsistent functional effects
  • Faint, sometimes medicinal flavors
  • Occasional bitter aftertaste
  • Soft, low carbonation mouthfeel

Recess earns mixed reviews: the brand delivers light, refreshing flavors, sleek packaging, and for many a subtle calming effect, yet it polarizes on taste intensity and the consistency of functional benefits. Reviews praise Strawberry Rose, Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Blackberry Chai, and coconut lime, but cite faint or medicinal flavors, occasional aftertaste, low carbonation, and uneven “mood” effects—leaving some to view it as elevated seltzer rather than a reliably functional drink.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

480 reviews and posts

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Its a perfectly good sparking water, I personally didnt feel any more calm from it but the taste was good. I think for the price you could just get any other sparking water. The branding is nice and minimal but I dont think it meets all of the expectations.

  • They’re yummy and they’re branding rocks. I wish they had them in France! I would be a good customer.

  • Bought this at Berkeley Bowl. Was sold on the idea of an adaptogen seltzer and cute packaging. Wasn't fizzy enough for me and tasted fairly unremarkable given how pricey each can was. Didn't do anything mood wise.