The Sparkling Alcohol-Free Drink That Helps Me Unwind Before Bedtime (Great for Dry January!)

My unpopular opinion is that I hate most seltzer and sparkling waters and am immediately suspicious of anything that looks like it could be one of the above. I find that it makes me more thirsty for actual water instead of refreshing. And as my friends and boyfriend would argue, once I have an opinion, it’s incredibly difficult to get me to change it. Last year, I complained to my former coworker Tamara that I had been having trouble sleeping, and she suggested the alcohol-alternative drink Recess. She said specifically to “get the one with the clouds on it,” because it contains magnesium, which can be considered a sleep aid.

After four sleepless nights (and I am someone who must sleep or I am essentially nonfunctional), I capitulated and decided that I needed to try Recess Mood. Although, honestly, I didn’t think it would help me wind down. Well, I was wrong and now Recess Mood is one of my go-to alcohol replacements. I’ve recommended it to all of my friends who are looking for alternatives, especially as Dry January approaches.

Recess Mood is a sparkling water beverage with magnesium and adaptogens. (Recess Mood used to contain CBD, but it no longer does.) It does have magnesium L-threonate, L-theanine, and lemon balm — and only 4 grams of sugar. The variety pack includes five flavors: raspberry lemon, lime citrus, strawberry rose, and grapefruit tangerine. They also sell packs of individual flavors, like lime citrus, if shoppers would rather go all-in on one flavor.

It was love at first sip — and now over a year later, I like to have 3-5 Recess Moods a week to help me unwind. Where I would have wanted a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail before, I now want Recess instead, since it provides nearly the exact same effect. My thoughts stop racing, my body relaxes, and I’m able to take a beat and chill out with a book or a TV show. My boyfriend also loves them.

I never thought I’d find a nonalcoholic beverage (other than coffee) that I liked. I’ve always exclusively been a water, coffee, and alcohol type of beverage drinker, but Recess has changed that. It also tastes great — it’s flavorful without being overpowering! I particularly gravitate toward the raspberry lemon flavor, though Recess’s newest flavor Tropical Bliss is a second favorite. The only flavor I’m not a huge fan of is the strawberry rose because it’s a bit too sweet for me.

It even makes me pleasantly drowsy and helps me drift off to sleep at night. That being said, it is not a 100% easy-sleep success rate. I have had a few nights where after having my Recess, I have tossed and turned and spent many hours staring at the ceiling. I think of it more as a wind-down sip than a sleep aid. Although I will say when I wake up, I usually feel pretty refreshed.

Recess can be a bit pricey, but honestly, I think it’s worth every penny. It’s definitely a drink I’ll be bringing into 2025. It’s also available on Amazon and Target and comes in a powder supplement form, though I have not tried that yet.

Buy: Recess Paradise Mood Sampler, $29.99