Recess

by Drink Recess, Inc.

Review: Recess Zero Proof Margarita

Posted: Jan 11, 2022 at 10:35 AM (Last Updated: Jan 11, 2022 at 1:22 PM)
Recess Zero Proof Margarita

Covers Products: Zero-Proof "Margarita"

With Dry January in full swing, hemp and adaptogen-infused beverage marketer Recess recently dropped a limited edition flavor, Zero Proof “Margarita,” marking the first time the brand has directly marketed one of their products as an alternative to alcohol.

Like the other Recess products, Zero Proof Margarita is packaged in a 12 ounce can that uses a matte-finish shrink sleeve label. Sweetened with organic agave syrup, the product has a modest 25 calories and 4 grams of sugar. They’ve also included a host of functional ingredients including 10mg of hemp extract along with ginseng, L-theanine and lemon balm. 

When it comes to flavor, Recess has done a very nice job crafting something that is enjoyable and a bit more of a slow sipper than their other products. Sharp notes of lemon, lime and orange are present as well as some sort of flavoring that has a faint resemblance to what you’d expect from tequila. There’s a very light sweetness to the product as well as a noticeable salt note at the finish – a nice nod to the classic preparation of a margarita served in a salt rimmed glass. 

While this isn’t a literal margarita, it’s a very nice riff and something that does the job between the flavor and the added functional ingredients – even if they aren’t felt as immediately as alcohol. Combined with the unique and enjoyable flavor, the perceived value for this product as an alcohol replacement should be adequate.

On the outside, the product’s label follows a format that’s similar to the rest of the Recess family.  The minimalist front panel features the brand logo in the center of the can while descriptive text – which refers to the product a mocktail – sits at the bottom. Along the top, you’ll find the name of the flavor as well as a cloud-shaped callout for “Dry January Edition.” This is definitely a helpful callout in terms of making the product intuitive for the consumer.

Ultimately, we think that Recess’s Zero Proof Margarita is a good line extension for the brand and fits with their tagline of “calm cool collected.” The execution is top notch and if Recess decided to make zero proof a part of their regular lineup, this product is more than worthy of being a year round offering.


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