Here’s the Best Beverage Brand to Try for Dry January
So you didn’t commit to sober October. And you overdid the booze over the Holidays. If only sobriety was more…tempting.
Let’s face it: Offering your non-drinking friends a seltzer or soda is a really lame hostess move. Besides, sparkling soft drinks are not great for you and the exponential growth in non-alcoholic beverages gives you much better options these days. But let’s forget for a moment your friends who are on the wagon. Sometimes you know you want to skip the alcohol but nothing else tastes as good, plus you miss the ritual and flavor of a well-mixed cocktail.
Well, Tilden to the rescue! We’ve discovered a female-founder, handcrafted brand and it isn’t about syrups and fillers, either, or about CBD, kava and other relaxants! Tilden is a premium non-alcoholic cocktail company which creates complex, tasty, elegant and ready-to-serve drinks crafted with the best ingredients—no mind-altering side effects and no added sugar! It’s our pick for Dry January.
Founded by two classmates, Vanessa and Mariah, during their time at Harvard Business School, Tilden was 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.
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, balanced, 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.
They set out to create non-alcoholic cocktails that would reimagine how we celebrate and started by experimenting in Mariah’s kitchen, tasting, tweaking, and refining until they landed on drinks that could be sipped, swirled, and savored. Out of this process eventually came two different options with their own bold flavors: Lacewing and Tandem.
Lacewing is fresh, herbaceous, botanical. Dominant flavor of crisp sliced cucumber and notes of julienned basil, followed by the subtle, luscious floral hint of lychee. These flavors rest on a smooth juniper berry base that mimics the depth of traditional spirits—think gin. Then comes a kick of Szechuan pepper and cayenne. The effect is delicate and lively and fresh. You know the flavor of a freshly-made artisanal cocktail such as a Cucumber Gimlet or a Lychee Martini? Like that. This is an invigorating, refreshing and aromatic drink. We think it’s a good choice for those who gravitate towards gin and vodka drinks. Pairs well with Asian food as the flavor profile is complementary.
Tandem delivers a bolder zesty, savory experience. It combines tart cherry, bitter orange, and smoky lapsang with the richness of American oak. A kick of ginger and cayenne adds warmth and depth. This drink is perfect for those who gravitate towards Old Fashioneds, Negronis, Manhattans and whiskey or bourbon-based drinks. Tandem has a luxurious mouthfeel and works as an aperitif with salty mixed nuts and charcuterie or ahead of foods with substance such as BBQ and roasted meats. This is our pick for sipping and savoring by an open fire.
Both Lacewing and Tandem come in 750ml and 250ml sizes, presenting the options of home bar, vacation, and gifts.
Mix Tilden at Home With These Easy Recipes
Lacewing Classic
Shake bottle well.
Pour 4 oz Lacewing over crushed ice into coupe glass.
Garnish with a cucumber ribbon snaked through a cocktail pick and place on the rim of the glass.
Tandem Classic
Shake bottle well.
Pour 4 oz Tandem over a large ice cube into lowball glass.
Garnish with a cocktail cherry.
For more recipes go here.
Tilden has been embraced by the hospitality industry and is now served in more than 300 restaurants, hotels, and retailers across the U.S., including Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury resorts, and cultural institutions. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara features Tilden’s Tandem and Lacewing on their drinks menu and because hotels like Hyatt (Alila, Andaz, Thompson, etc.) offer extensive non-alcoholic menus in their “Zero-Proof” programs, Tilden might be featured, so ask when booking.
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.
And here’s the real kicker: If you are an irredeemable booze hound, both of these work surprisingly well as cocktail bases for hard drinks. But shhhh, don’t tell anyone.
