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Recess says its sparkling drinks can help you feel calmer and more balanced using ingredients like CBD, magnesium and adaptogens. We tested the brand's CBD and CBD-free options to find out if they live up to the hype.
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Raise your hand if you reach for a glass of wine or a shot of espresso to help with stress, anxiety or fatigue. Same. While there’s nothing wrong with a little alcohol or caffeine in moderation, we were intrigued by Recess, a line of sparkling drinks made for people looking for another way to unwind.
The brand began with CBD-infused sparkling waters but has since expanded into CBD-free Recess Mood drinks and Zero Proof mocktails made with magnesium and adaptogens. Our testers sampled drinks from all three collections, evaluating their flavors, carbonation and any effects they noticed. Here’s how the different Recess drinks compare.
Recess
Recess offers a selection of CBD, alcohol-free, or adaptogen infused drinks to give you a subtle relaxed and chill feeling.
What is Recess?
Recess is a line of fruit-flavored sparkling beverages made with functional ingredients. The brand’s original sparkling waters contain 10 milligrams of CBD, hemp extract and adaptogens intended to support a calm, balanced feeling. Recess now also makes CBD-free Mood drinks and Zero Proof mocktails that use magnesium and adaptogens instead of hemp-derived ingredients.
The sparkling waters also contain other natural feel-good ingredients. American ginseng is known to improve memory and focus, while mood-brightening L-theanine is a sleep-improving amino acid found in tea plants. The lemon balm gives a gentle boost of energy.
Recess sparkling waters are also flavored with fruit and herbs to make them taste yummy. Each 12-ounce can has between 15 and 30 calories, 4 to 6 grams of carbohydrates and 3 to 6 grams of sugar—depending on which of the flavors you choose.
Please note that while CBD use appears to be generally safe, like many supplements, these claims aren’t backed by the FDA.
Features
The Recess sampler features five core flavors: blood orange, black cherry, peach ginger, pomegranate hibiscus and blackberry chai. Order the drinks in either a one-time-purchase 6-pack or a subscription 12-pack. The latter option lets you set recurring deliveries every two, four or eight weeks. You also save $10 per pack with a subscription.
Since we first tested Recess, the brand has added a CBD-free Recess Mood collection made with magnesium and adaptogens. For this update, our tester sampled lime citrus, orange vanilla, pink lemonade, grapefruit tangerine, strawberry rose and tropical bliss.
The brand also offers cocktail-inspired drinks through its Recess Zero Proof collection. Our testers have sampled several varieties, including margarita-inspired watermelon, spicy, strawberry and lime flavors. These drinks contain no alcohol, CBD or THC, although their magnesium and adaptogen formula differs from the original CBD sparkling waters.
For folks who want to take Recess on the go, there’s also now a Mood Powders line featuring magnesium, adaptogens and electrolytes. Choose from unflavored, lemon citrus, gradient berry or a sampler of all three flavors. Powders are available both in tubs and as small, packable sticks.
Recess Product Specs
- Original sparkling-water flavors include peach ginger, blackberry chai, pomegranate hibiscus, black cherry and blood orange
- Recess Mood flavors tested include lime citrus, orange vanilla, pink lemonade, grapefruit tangerine, strawberry rose and tropical bliss
- Zero Proof margarita flavors tested include watermelon, spicy, strawberry and lime
- Original Recess sparkling waters contain 10 milligrams of CBD
- Recess Mood and the Zero Proof drinks we tested contain no CBD, THC or alcohol
- Mood and Zero Proof formulas contain magnesium and adaptogens
- Original sparkling waters include ingredients such as American ginseng, L-theanine and lemon balm
- Available through one-time purchases or subscriptions
- Calories, sugar and carbohydrate content vary by collection and flavor
Adaptogens and Benefits
While Recess’s CBD content is certainly the star of the show, its other ingredients—namely its adaptogens, like ginseng and lemon balm—also may offer a significant, beneficial impact to some users. These natural herbs, roots and other plant substances can help reduce stress and improve focus, making Recess a functional drink beyond just its CBD content.
Effects and Timing
None of the Recess drinks we tested produced an intoxicating effect. The original sparkling waters contain hemp-derived CBD but no THC, while the Mood and Zero Proof drinks we sampled contained neither CBD nor THC. Any relaxing feeling our testers noticed was mild and gradual rather than comparable to an alcoholic buzz.
“Hemp-derived CBD doesn’t have the same effects as THC (the compound in cannabis that does get you high),” Linda explains. “What you might feel is a mild sense of calm, less tension or a more chill mood. It’s a light, relaxed feeling like the tension easing after your first beer, but without the buzz. Funny enough, CBD and hops (the plant used in beer) are actually botanical cousins, which helps explain that similar chill vibe.”
That said, many users report enjoying drinking Recess in the early afternoon to help boost focus and productivity, reduce daily stress, and even invigorate themselves as the day goes on.
How We Tested Them
Our testers sampled Recess drinks from all three of the brand’s main collections: the original CBD sparkling waters, Zero Proof mocktails and CBD-free Mood drinks. Throughout testing, we considered flavor, sweetness, carbonation and how enjoyable each drink was on its own, along with any noticeable effects from the functional ingredients.
For the original Recess sparkling waters, our tester drank the cans chilled and incorporated them into everyday situations where she might otherwise reach for coffee or alcohol. She tried the peach ginger flavor before an evening Pilates class, paying attention to how she felt both during the class and later that night. She also drank the pomegranate hibiscus flavor before a long afternoon Zoom call to see whether she noticed any difference in relaxation or focus.
Tester Madi Koetting also sampled the Recess Zero Proof mocktails as alternatives to alcoholic drinks, comparing their flavors and overall drinking experience with the many nonalcoholic cocktails, spirits, wines and beers she has tried.
For our latest round of testing, product tester Paul Rankin sampled six Recess Mood flavors: lime citrus, orange vanilla, pink lemonade, grapefruit tangerine, strawberry rose and tropical bliss. He also tried four margarita-inspired Zero Proof flavors: watermelon, spicy, strawberry and lime. He shared several cans with friends and family to gather additional opinions on flavor, while also noting carbonation, how closely the Zero Proof drinks resembled their cocktail counterparts and whether the magnesium-and-adaptogen formulas produced any noticeable effects.
Because the different Recess collections use different functional ingredients, we also paid attention to how those effects compared. Experiences varied between testers and were generally subtle, so we treated them as individual observations rather than guaranteed results.
Recess Beverage Reviews
We’ve tested multiple drink options from the Recess lineup. Below are our reviews of their popular CBD drinks, mocktails and adaptogen drinks.
Recess CBD Sparkling Water
Enjoy natural feel-good ingredients including fruit, herbs, American ginseng and L-theanine.
My Recess drink review was as easy as cracking open a chilled can, popping a metal straw inside and sipping. Since I’ve tried CBD gummies before, I wasn’t nervous about drinking CBD, but I did want to do a thorough test to feel the effects.
I’m a regular at Pilates, and I don’t like to go to class if I’ve recently had a cocktail or glass of red wine. Alcohol and balancing exercises simply don’t mix—not to mention the sleepy side effects I sometimes get after happy hour. I had a Pilates class scheduled after work, and I was feeling the late afternoon slump. Instead of pouring a late afternoon coffee that could disrupt my sleep, I decided to drink a can of the peach ginger Recess.
Thoughts after the first sip? Yum! The peach flavor tasted straight from Georgia, and the ginger added a slightly spicy note that I liked. I didn’t detect anything medicinal or chemical. As for bubble strength, I’d positively compare it to a can of La Croix. About 20 minutes after I drained the can, I felt calm and focused. It wasn’t intense or distracting, and I got through my Pilates class feeling both relaxed and concentrated on the instructor’s vocal cues. I didn’t have any trouble falling asleep that night.
After the successful Pilates test, I opened the pomegranate hibiscus can before a long afternoon Zoom conference call. I’m not the biggest hibiscus flavor fan, but I did like the fruity pomegranate. Results were similar to how I felt after the first can: generally calm, relaxed and able to focus on the agenda and deliverables. What work anxiety?
Recess Zero Proof Mocktails
Recess Zero-Proof Mocktails contain no CBD or alcohol and can make you feel relaxed with their blend of adaptogens.
The brand also offers nonalcoholic canned cocktails. They don’t contain CBD. Rather, Recess’ zero-proof craft mocktail collection mimics the flavor profile of popular cocktails like a margarita, Paloma, mojito and Moscow mule while leaning on mood-boosting adaptogens and natural feel-good ingredients to go from “buzzed to balanced.” The real kicker? They only have 5 grams of sugar and 25 calories each. Plus, a little caffeine (10 milligrams, to be exact) to keep you feeling social.
“I’m always looking for ways to cut back on booze by replacing my favorite cocktails with drinks that actually support my well-being, and out of all the nonalcoholic cocktails, spirits, wine and beer I’ve tried, the Recess zero-proof drinks are in my top three,” says tester Madi Koetting. “The flavors come pretty close to the real thing, but the difference with Recess is I actually feel a relaxing buzz. I was impressed that after just one and a half cans of their mocktails, I felt the same relaxing sensation as if I had a glass of wine. But the difference is I can feel good about what’s going into my body thanks to Recess.”
For this update, product tester Paul Rankin sampled four margarita-inspired flavors: watermelon, spicy, strawberry and lime. He enjoyed the drinks for what they were, but none tasted especially close to a traditional margarita. Without the distinctive flavor of tequila, they came across more like fruit-forward canned mocktails with a subtle lime note running through them.
That distinction is important when deciding what to expect. These probably won’t fool anyone into thinking they’re sipping a freshly mixed margarita, but they’re still pleasant drinks in their own right. They work best as a convenient alcohol-free alternative rather than a one-for-one cocktail substitute.
Like the Recess Mood drinks Paul tested, these samples contained magnesium and adaptogens but no alcohol, CBD or THC. That makes them an approachable option for anyone avoiding both alcoholic drinks and hemp-derived ingredients.
Recess Mood Sparkling Water
Relax and unwind with CBD-free sparkling drinks infused with magnesium and adaptogens.
For those who want a relaxing canned drink without alcohol, CBD or THC, Recess Mood offers a middle ground between flavored sparkling water and a functional beverage. We tried six flavors to see how they tasted, how noticeable the magnesium-and-adaptogen effects were and whether they offered a satisfying alternative to cocktails or the brand’s original CBD drinks.
Recess Mood is the brand’s CBD-free line of sparkling drinks. Instead of hemp-derived ingredients, the formula centers on magnesium and adaptogens. The drinks also contain no alcohol or THC, making them a particularly accessible option for people who want an alternative to alcohol but would rather avoid CBD and other hemp products.
They come in standard-size cans and feel more like flavored sparkling water than canned cocktails. That separates them from both the original CBD-infused Recess sparkling waters and the cocktail-inspired Zero Proof collection.
Pink lemonade was Paul’s favorite of the six flavors. It had a stronger sour and slightly bitter quality than the others, which made it especially refreshing to him. However, that assertive tartness may be more polarizing for drinkers who prefer softer or sweeter flavors.
The other five varieties were easy to enjoy and went over well with everyone who sampled them. Overall, Recess Mood succeeds more as a flavorful, lightly carbonated sparkling drink than as something that produces an obvious functional effect. It’s a particularly good fit for someone who wants an interesting alcohol-free beverage without consuming CBD, THC or other hemp-derived ingredients.
Pros
- Pleasant, fruit-forward flavors
- Gentle, refreshing carbonation
- Both CBD and CBD-free options
- Alcohol-free choices
- Wide variety of flavors and formats
- Attractive can designs
Cons
- More expensive than regular sparkling water
- Effects may be difficult to notice
- Zero Proof flavors don’t always mimic cocktails
- Some flavors may be too tart
Product Comparison
There are a lot of CBD-infused and adaptogen-loaded drinks on the market, like Vybes, Otra Vida, and Kin, and they all have their own varying levels of CBD and other ingredients. Recess is on the lighter side of the CBD spectrum, boasting only 10 milligrams of CBD per can. That said, its lower dosage is also somewhat offset by its other adaptogen ingredients, making for an overall well-balanced brew.
Drinks like Kin, however, don’t have any CBD at all, relying instead on other ingredients to offer a similar effect (although their effectiveness may vary). Vybes, on the other hand, has as much as 25 grams per serving and, according to some users, is preferred by those seeking a stronger effect for managing anxiety or pain. Lastly, Otra Vida offers tea, but not in a ready-made version—so you’d have to brew the tea yourself before you can drink it (meaning it is also served hot, or you could refrigerate it and have it chilled at a later time).
Recess stands out because it now gives shoppers a choice between its original CBD-infused sparkling waters and several CBD-free alternatives. The Mood line is closer to a functional sparkling water, while the Zero Proof collection provides a more cocktail-inspired drinking experience. That range makes Recess approachable whether someone is interested in CBD or wants to avoid hemp-derived ingredients altogether.
Final Verdict
Recess now offers enough variety that choosing the right drink depends largely on what you want from it. The original CBD sparkling waters remain the best fit for someone specifically interested in a low-dose hemp beverage. Recess Mood is the better choice for drinkers who want a pleasant sparkling water made with magnesium and adaptogens but no CBD, THC or alcohol. The Zero Proof line falls somewhere between a sparkling drink and a canned mocktail.
Across our tests, flavor was the brand’s biggest strength. The drinks were refreshing, not excessively carbonated and generally well received by everyone who sampled them. Pink lemonade was the standout from the Mood collection, although its stronger sour and bitter notes may not appeal to everyone.
The margarita-inspired Zero Proof drinks were also enjoyable, but they worked better as fruit-flavored mocktails than convincing margarita replacements. Without a tequila-like flavor, they didn’t closely recreate the original cocktail.
Don’t expect any of the CBD-free drinks to noticeably alter how you feel. Any relaxation our tester experienced was quite subtle and difficult to separate from the natural act of sitting down and unwinding with a drink. Still, Recess Mood and Zero Proof are worthwhile alternatives for people who want something more interesting than plain sparkling water while avoiding alcohol and hemp-derived ingredients.
Move over, Perrier; I’m filling my mini fridge with Recess. After I drink a can, I feel zen and focused, without any of the crash side effects or hangover feeling that can come from consuming caffeine or alcohol. And Recess tastes good and looks cute in the fridge.
Looking for more feel-good bubbly drinks? Try our favorite prebiotic and probiotic soda brands, best kombuchas or bubbly hop waters.
Where To Buy
Recess Drinks
Recess offers a selection of CBD, alcohol-free, or adaptogen infused drinks to give you a subtle relaxed and chill feeling.
Recess’ CBD drinks are currently only available directly on the brand’s website or at Target. A one-time six-pack will run you $30 while a subscription 12-pack costs $42. While on the pricier side, each can still costs less than even the cheapest drink at the bar or a craft coffee at a cafe. Plus, you just can’t beat that relaxed, productive feeling!
The non-CBD drinks like Recess Mood and Zero Proof are more widely available at Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
FAQ
Do Recess drinks have CBD in them?
Some do. The original Recess sparkling waters contain 10 milligrams of broad-spectrum hemp-derived CBD but no THC. Recess Mood and the Zero Proof drinks we tested contain no CBD, THC or alcohol.
Does Recess Mood have CBD?
No. The Recess Mood drinks we tested contained magnesium and adaptogens but no CBD, THC or alcohol.
What are the benefits of Recess drinks?
Recess drinks offer an alcohol-free alternative to cocktails, wine and other happy-hour beverages. Some testers experienced a mild sense of relaxation, but the effects were subtle and may vary considerably from person to person.
How much caffeine is in Recess?
Caffeine content depends on the collection. The original Recess sparkling waters are generally caffeine-free, apart from a very small amount in the tea-based blackberry chai flavor. The Zero Proof mocktails contain 10 milligrams of caffeine per can. Check the individual can for the most current ingredient and caffeine information.
Why You Should Trust Us
At Taste of Home, our editors and product testers delight in testing new products and sharing their experiences. Our team has years of experience testing everything from the best meal delivery services to the best best canned alcoholic drinks.
For this article, Madi Koetting and Katie Bandurski tested the original Recess sparkling waters and Zero Proof mocktails. Product tester and editor Paul Rankin later sampled six Recess Mood flavors and four additional Zero Proof margarita varieties, sharing several with friends and family to gather more opinions. Our testers evaluated flavor, carbonation and any noticeable effects, including both the strengths of the drinks and the areas where they fell short.
