Double Dutch founders launch mentoring scheme for female mixologists

The award-winning brand, co-founded by twin sisters Raissa and Joyce de Haas in 2015, will partner with a number of renowned mixologists to provide hands-on lessons to women aged 21 or older of all backgrounds and experience.

Designed to help foster up-and-coming female talent through training, mentoring and financial assistance, the initiative will aim to create a support network for any women looking to enter or already working in the bar and drinks industry.

What’s more, Double Dutch’s founders will lend their time via one-to-one mentoring sessions to pass on expertise that has seen them sell more than 500,000 bottles per month in 25 countries and open new production plants in South Africa and the Netherlands.

“We’re very excited to be launching this programme because we have seen so much talent and creativity from women when it comes to mixology,” Raissa de Haas explained.

“Unfortunately, women are still very under-represented in the drinks and bar trade, and there are very few female role models and mentors. We are committed to supporting other women in the industry, and we hope through the establishment of this scholarship and mentoring programme we can help support and inspire the next generation of female talent.”

The programme will be officially unveiled in time for International Women’s Day at all-female panel and brunch event ‘Breaking Barriers: How to Thrive as a Woman in Hospitality’ on 2 March in partnership with Percy & Founders in Fitzrovia, London.

Potential applicants to Double Dutch’s scholarship programme can apply online via the drinks maker’s website from 8 March until the end of April.