About the Brand
About
Tilden is a premium non-alcoholic cocktail company creating complex, ready-to-serve drinks crafted with the best ingredients and no added sugar. Founded by two classmates during their time at Harvard Business School, Tilden was born out of a desire to bring more intention, flavor, and inclusivity to the way we gather. Crafted to deliver the depth and balance of a classic cocktail without alcohol or mind-altering ingredients, Tilden offers a sophisticated alternative for those who choose to drink less, or not at all.Tilden is proudly served in more than 300 restaurants, hotels, and retailers across the U.S., including Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury resorts, and cultural institutions. Its two flagship cocktails, Lacewing and Tandem, have earned national press coverage and industry awards, praised for their originality, flavor, and design. Whether poured at a dinner party, ordered at a bar, or gifted to a friend, Tilden is helping people savor the moment without compromise.
Founding Story
Meet Vanessa and Mariah, the founders of Tilden. Vanessa quit drinking in 2020 and was frustrated by the lack of sophisticated non-alcoholic options at bars, restaurants, and gatherings. She wanted something complex, low in sugar, and free from mind-altering ingredients. While at Harvard Business School, she shared her vision with classmates and quickly connected with Mariah, a lifelong teetotaler with a passion for food, beverage, and thoughtful hospitality.
Together, they set out to create non-alcoholic cocktails that would reimagine how we celebrate. They started by experimenting in Mariah’s kitchen, tasting, tweaking, and refining until they landed on drinks that could be sipped, swirled, and savored. With a focus on aroma, mouthfeel, and layered flavor, each Tilden cocktail delivers a complete experience, one that invites connection without compromise.
Vanessa and Mariah believe in more intentional, inclusive social moments. Cheers to that!
Signature Products
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Team & Experts
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Mariah Hilton Wood is the co-founder and President of Tilden, which she founded while earning her MBA at Harvard Business School. Previously, Mariah worked in Supply Chain Management consulting at PwC and. Mariah graduated with a degree in business management and supply chain Logistics from Brigham Young University. She is from Las Vegas, NV and enjoys bean-to-bar chocolate, adventuring (she most recently hiked Kilimanjaro), and beautifully organized excel models. She lives in Boston with her husband and young daughter.
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Vanessa Royle is the co-founder and CEO of Tilden, a pioneering non-alcoholic cocktail company she launched after earning her MBA at Harvard Business School. After quitting alcohol in 2020, she became passionate about reshaping social drinking culture, bringing a sharp strategic lens to the industry informed by her background in high-growth tech. Before Tilden, she led communications at Cloudflare, a cybersecurity unicorn that went public in 2019. She holds a dual degree in Political Science and Media Studies from UC Berkeley and grew up in San Jose, CA. Vanessa enjoys spending time in Santa Barbara with her husband and baby, embracing the coastal lifestyle and the joys of family life.
Press Coverage
YAHOO LIFE
Jan 12, 2026
The everyday upgrades that will help you live your best life in 2026
These smart, feel-good products make everyday routines easier, healthier, and more joyful.
BUZZFEED
Sep 8, 2025
If You’re Pregnant, You’re Gonna Want To Buy These 31 Products *Now* So You Have Them When You Need Them
Those nine months pass by in a blink of an eye, so be prepared!
BUZZFEED
Sep 8, 2025
If You’re Pregnant, You’re Gonna Want To Buy These 31 Products *Now* So You Have Them When You Need Them
SALON
Jan 18, 2025
Is 2025 the year that we abandon alcohol for good?
In Salon’s January 2025 piece, Tilden is featured as a leading voice in the emerging non-alcoholic beverage movement, offering sophisticated and flavorful alternatives worthy of cocktail menus. The article highlights our founders’ perspective on how thoughtful NA drinks are reshaping drinking occasions, and gaining traction in hospitality and beyond
VINEPAIR
Jan 9, 2025
The 23 Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks Brands for 2025
Tilden is recognized as a standout in the category of ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails, praised for its original formulations and flavor-forward design. The piece highlights how Tilden’s Lacewing and Tandem offer complex, cocktail-level experiences that break away from watery or overly sweet substitutes.
MARTHA STEWART
Nov 25, 2024
8 Things to Never Do Before Hosting a Party, According to Planning Pros
Mariah Hilton Wood, co‑founder of Tilden, is featured as a hosting expert alongside industry planners. She offers guidance on serving non-alcoholic cocktails that feel intentional and elevated so hosts can provide thoughtful, inclusive drink options and ensure every guest feels seen.
805 LIVING
May 31, 2024
Nonalcoholic Drinks Grow Up
Vanessa Royle, co-founder of Tilden, is featured as a Santa Barbara-based beverage purveyor pushing the boundaries of great non-alcoholic cocktails.
W MAGAZINE
Dec 1, 2023
W Editors Share Their Top Holiday Gifts
Tilden’s Lacewing non-alcoholic cocktail was selected as a standout in W Magazine’s holiday list, praised for its bright citrus kick and subtle kick. The article framed it as the perfect hostess gift for both drinkers and non-drinkers alike, noting how it feels crafted and thoughtful.
FORBES
A Guide to Hosting Holiday Parties That Welcome The Sober Curious
Tilden is featured as a go-to for elevated non-alcoholic cocktails that help create inclusive, intentional gatherings. Co-founder Mariah Wood is cited as an expert voice in the space, offering insights on how to thoughtfully host without alcohol and make everyone feel welcome.
Locations
Headquarters
Boston, MA, USA, Boston
<p>Tilden Headquarters</p>
West Coast HQ
Santa Barbara, CA, USA, Santa Barbara
<p>Tilden's West Coast headquarters are located in Santa Barbara, CA. Our co-founder and CEO lives and works there. </p>
Asset Library
Editorial-ready assets. All images cleared for press use with credit.