Double Dutch opens Female Bartending Scholarship 2026
Tonic and mixer brand Double Dutch is bringing back its Female Bartending Scholarship in 2026 with new developments to support women in hospitality.
The initiative originally launched in 2021 and was designed by the brand’s co-founders, Joyce and Raissa de Haas. The aim is to support and empower women in hospitality at all stages of their careers.
For the first time in 2026, a selection of free educational materials will be available to all applicants, not just the 12 selected scholars.
The 12 successful applicants will benefit from workshops, mentorship and industry access, backed by a number of industry experts, who are listed further down.
Commenting on the programme, Joyce de Haas said: “It is essential to use our platform to open doors. Hospitality is powered by incredible women, but far too few reach senior leadership. We believe progress doesn’t happen by accident – you have to actively create pathways for those around you.
“The latest research we’ve seen says that women make up 70% of the hospitality workforce, yet only 8% of the leadership positions. It’s time to change that.
“This is all about building community too, and one of the best parts about the scholarship is when the alumni all come together to support each other.”
How to apply
To enter, applicants must submit around 250 words explaining the current stage of their career and what they’d like to accomplish via the scholarship.
Applications are open and will be accepted until 17 February. The successful 12 scholars will be announced on International Women’s Day (8 March).
Raissa de Haas said: “We’re looking for women who are deeply passionate about drinks and hospitality, and who see bartending as more than just a job. Our ideal scholars are ambitious, curious, and driven – women who have a clear vision for their future and the confidence to pursue it.
“Whether their ambition lies in bar ownership, brand leadership, education, product development, or shaping the wider hospitality culture, we want to support women who aspire to lead.
“This scholarship is about backing the next generation of female leaders in drinks and hospitality, and helping them turn talent and determination into long-term impact.”
The mentors and educators confirmed to support the 2026 Female Bartending Scholarship are:
- Laura Willoughby MBE, co-founder, Club Soda
- Liana Oster, director of bars, The Chancery Rosewood
- Maura Milia, general manager, Eagle Bar
- Anna Sebastian, founder, Anna Sebastian Hospitality and Celebrate Her
- Carmen O’Neal, founder, 58 & Co Distillery
- Lorna MacPherson-Johnston, food and beverage director, Cubitt House
- Alexa Farrow, brand advocacy manager, Hayman Distillers
- Claudia Carrozzi, bar consultant and educator, UKBG President
- Lauren Mote, global director, Patrón and Bacardi
- Noah Villeneuve, national portfolio ambassador, Kore Drinks
- Mandy Naglich, author, How to Taste
- Wendy Hopkins, director of beverage UK and International, Hakkasan Group
- Desirée Dils, founder, Hospitality Masters
- Tristan Darby, brand ambassador, Double Dutch
The updates to this year’s scholarship programme follow a year of several milestones for the brand. In 2025, Double Dutch celebrated its 10th anniversary and secured £4.5 million (US$6m) worth of investment.
Last year, the founders of Double Dutch appeared on The Spirits Business Podcast, discussing how they built the brand, their plans for future growth, and the importance of supporting women in the industry – including entrepreneurs and founders.
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