Double Dutch names scholarship cohort

Premium mixer and tonic brand Double Dutch has revealed the 10 female bartending talents selected for this year’s Female Bartending Scholarship Programme.

Returning for its third year, the scheme was first created in 2020 to help reduce disparities of women in senior positions and curb inequalities within the hospitality industry.

Made up of newcomers and inspiring mixologists, the 2023 cohort has been selected from a wide range of hospitality venues across the UK.

This year’s scholars are: Buky Adegbulugbe (Sip Geek); Morgan Hughes (Margoux); Clea Iqbal (Leafy Elephant); Elena Bulatovskaja (Sexy Fish); Alice Cable (Fife Arms); Emma Mitchell (The Metropolitan); Lili Johnston (Harts Group); Madison Moore (Rockwater); Megan Jenson (Smuggler’s Cove); and Rachel Marchesan (Soho House).

Double Dutch co-founder Raissa de Haas commented: “We are so excited to welcome our female bartending scholars for 2023 and look forward to seeing how they grow as part of the programme.

“Women are so underrepresented in senior and management positions, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering upcoming female talent within the hospitality industry.”

The scholarship will consist of three months of curated sessions intended to help the scholars build on the knowledge and skills needed to level up in the industry.

Based on feedback from the 2022 scheme, the sessions will have a greater mixture of in-person sessions, and will cover a wide range of topics, including mixology, signature serves, building menus, flavour pairings, mindful drinking, social media, personal branding and professional coaching.

The cohort will be provided with opportunities to engage with renowned mentors in the drinks industry, offering them invaluable knowledge, inspiration, and guidance in their fields.

Mentors in this year’s programme include Esther Medina-Cuesta, alchemy specialist, and mixologist and consultant Nicolas Medicamento.

Emma Stokes, founder of Gin Monkey, will be among the professionals guiding the scholars on social media. The aim is to provide the scholars with an extensive understanding of the industry and equip them with the tools to build their personal brand, leverage social media effectively, and develop a business-oriented mindset.

Double Dutch co-founder Joyce de Haas added: “We have a great line-up of mentors involved in this year’s programme, bringing such invaluable knowledge and experience to our scholars. We’re proud to be able to make this happen and can’t wait to see how our scholars grow over the next three months.”

The first scholarship session was held 19 June at the Club Soda Tasting Room in London, and the second session will be hosted at 58 and Co Distillery in Haggerston, London, on 10 July.

The scholarship will culminate in a graduation ceremony held at Hayman’s Distillery in September.