Double Dutch: ‘Taiwan’s tonic comeback is the perfect moment to reimagine the G&T’
As Taiwan relaxes import of compliant tonic waters, Double Dutch enters the market with its flavour-led premium mixers. Rebecca Lo reports.
International tonic water brands are returning to Taiwan, and Double Dutch is poised to capture the market with its 2026 roll out. Assisted by leading beverage importer and distributor Dxcel Taiwan and Asia-Pacific route-to-market specialist Nimbility, Double Dutch will introduce its flavour-forward tonics throughout the year.
Initially Double Dutch will focus on menu co-creation with bars and hotel groups backed by targeted training sessions and tasting kits to accelerate familiarity and adoption.
Retail initiatives will follow with seasonal bundles and multi-packs to build at-home trial and strengthen visibility. Social campaigns and staff engagement incentives will sustain velocity and ensure lasting traction across the market.
Regulations changes
The past several years have been challenging for Taiwan’s mixologists and spirits drinkers due to strict regulations imposed on imported food additives such as quinine. In late February, clarified regulatory pathways permitted import of compliant tonic waters that declare and control quinine ratios, allowing for premium mixers such as Double Dutch to enter Taiwan.
The return of quinine means more than the return of international tonic waters.
Mixologists now can freely create balanced long serves with quinine’s clean, natural bitterness to sharpen aromatics, brighten citrus and botanicals, and add structure to gin, vodka, agave spirits or aperitivo-based drinks as well as low and no-alcohol serves.
By creating contrast without additional weight, the results are crisper, drier, and more refreshing drinks ideal for Taiwan’s climate and drinking culture.
Trading up
Double Dutch launches in Taiwan at a time when drinkers are seeking higher quality and transparency in their beverage choices. “We’re hearing the same message from bartenders across Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung: younger guests are gravitating toward lighter, longer serves built around freshness, lower ABV and natural ingredients,” said Manuel Arce, Nimbility’s director of spirits.
“They want drinks that feel vibrant and clean—serves where the spirit shines rather than get weighed down by sugar. With compliant quinine now back on the menu, Double Dutch delivers the reliability, flavour precision, and refreshing lift that bars need to meet this demand and grow rate of sale in 2026.”
Long serves, better balance
Double Dutch was established in 2015 by twin sisters Raissa and Joyce de Haas originally from The Netherlands; today, it is a female-led company built on a natural flavour-first philosophy.
Its tonics boast contemporary packaging following a 2025 refresh and elevated carbonation and are available in Classic Indian, Skinny, Elderflower, and Cranberry & Ginger.
“We created Double Dutch to champion long serves with better balance—natural flavours, crisp bubbles, and a quinine profile that feels elegant, not aggressive,” said Joyce de Haas. “Taiwan’s tonic comeback is the perfect moment for our team, partners and bartenders to reimagine the G&T.”
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