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!
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.
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.
