Recess Zero Proof Peppermint Bark ‘Tini
Recess Zero Proof has expanded its seasonal lineup with Peppermint Bark ‘Tini, which leans into classic winter candy flavors. The lightly sparkling, 0% ABV beverage delivers notes of candy cane and chocolate, is formulated with guayusa and adaptogens, and contains 30 calories, 5 grams of added sugar, and 10 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce sleek can.
Things that stand out:
- Flavor execution is strong, with a light note of candy cane flavor balanced with subtle chocolate notes. It feels festive and wintry, which seems to be exactly what they are going for. Light sweetness and carbonation make the drink approachable and easy to sip. The product has monk fruit, but you can’t taste it, as well as agave, white grape juice and apple juice as the sweeteners.
- Packaging is attractive and on-brand, with an off-white base and playful candy cane graphics that communicate seasonal intent clearly on shelf. There’s no mistaking it for anything but a holiday product.
- The holiday mocktail positioning feels timely and relevant, especially for consumers looking for alcohol-free options heading into Dry January.
Things to consider:
- The martini-inspired framing is not immediately evident in the flavor or overall experience. But we’re also not sure what a better way to describe it might be.
Rating: 
Dad Grass is a line of low-dose cannabis-infused drinks positioned as a “leisure drink.” For this review, we sampled three flavors — Jalapeno Lime, Mango Ginger and Yuzu Grapefruit Mint — with 3 mg THC and 6 mg CBD in each 12 ounce can, as well as L-theanine, electrolytes and lion’s mane mushrooms (220 mg). The drinks are sweetened with 11 grams of organic cane sugar and just over 6% juice.
Things that stand out:
- Fantastic flavors; all three are well-balanced with a punch of sweetness and a hint of spice or sour. These are very refreshing, expertly crafted sparkling drinks that can stand alone on flavor regardless of functional ingredients. All three are excellent, but the paloma-like Yuzu Grapefruit Mint edges out the others just slightly.
- Printed and textured cans really stand out. We enjoyed the classic apothecary-style branding, with clear callouts to functional ingredients.
- Using the “Leisure Drink” tagline seems like a smart move, as Dad Grass offers a cannabis-boosted experience that’s differentiated from some of the stronger THC drinks on the market.
Things to consider:
- There’s lots of copy on the front; the design looks good, but could be less crowded.
Rating:
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