Scholarship Serves: Chloe's Hummingbird

Every great cocktail tells a story.

As part of the Double Dutch Female Bartending Scholarship, each scholar is challenged to create and present a signature cocktail for graduation. It's more than just a final assignment - it's an opportunity to bring together months of learning, creativity and confidence into one drink they can proudly call their own.

From flavour development and storytelling to presentation and technique, every element reflects the journey each scholar has been on throughout the programme.

We're excited to introduce the first cocktail in our Scholarship Serves Series: Chloe's Hummingbird.

Inspired by curiosity

When it came to creating her graduation cocktail, Chloe wanted it to represent everything the scholarship had given her.

Rather than starting with a blank page, she looked to the classics for inspiration, asking herself how she could put her own twist on a well-loved serve. With summer approaching, the Jungle Bird felt like the perfect starting point - bright, tropical and full of character.

After experimenting with different flavour combinations, Chloe landed on a homemade kumquat cordial, bringing a vibrant citrus note to the drink. She paired it with Sipello, a British gooseberry aperitif whose bittersweet notes of gooseberry, rhubarb and chokeberry complemented the kumquat beautifully.

Celebrating female-founded brands

One of the most memorable experiences during the scholarship was visiting 58 & Co Distillery, where scholars heard firsthand from founder Carmen O'Neal about building a purpose-led, female-founded distillery.

Inspired by both the brand and its story, Chloe chose 58 & Co Gin as the foundation of her cocktail. Its smooth, rounded profile balanced the sharper citrus and aperitif notes, creating a beautifully layered serve.

For Chloe, it was more than simply choosing a spirit - it was about recognising one of the founders and businesses that had inspired her throughout the programme.

The finishing touches

With fresh lime and pineapple juice adding texture and balance, the cocktail was complete.

Originally inspired by the Jungle Bird, Chloe wanted a name that reflected both the vibrant colours of the drink and her own connection to London. She settled on Hummingbird - a nod to the striking orange and purple tones of the cocktail and the colourful birds found at London Zoo, one of her favourite places in the city.

The result is a cocktail that's bright, tropical and full of personality - much like Chloe herself.

More than a cocktail

The graduation cocktail challenge isn't about creating the "perfect" drink.

It's about encouraging scholars to think creatively, tell their story, develop their confidence and present their ideas to an audience - skills that are just as important behind the bar as technical ability.

Every scholar approaches the brief differently, and that's exactly what makes these creations so special.

We're incredibly proud of Chloe and everything she's achieved throughout the programme, and Hummingbird is a fitting celebration of her creativity, passion and growth.

Congratulations, Chloe. We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Double Dutch Female Bartending Scholarship?

The Double Dutch Female Bartending Scholarship is a mentoring and education programme designed to help women build confidence and develop their careers in hospitality.

---

Why do scholars create a signature cocktail?

Each scholar creates and presents a signature cocktail to demonstrate everything they've learned throughout the programme, from flavour pairing to storytelling and presentation.

---

Who can apply for the scholarship?

Applications open annually for women working within hospitality.

---

What do scholars learn?

Topics include:

• Flavour development
• Cocktail creation
• Hospitality leadership
• Menu development
• Confidence
• Public speaking
• Career development

 

Every journey starts with one application. If you're ready to take the next step in your hospitality career, applications for the Double Dutch Female Bartending Scholarship are open now 💛