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We think it is never too late in the year for Pimm's   The Pimm’s tradition is almost as entrenched in British culture as winning the Ashes! Pimm’s is usually regarded as a summer drink but it can just easily be enjoyed in the autumn and winter with just a few creative tweaks. Pimm’s is now owned by Diageo but was first introduced to the British public in 1823 by a Kentish farmer’s son James Pimm in his Oyster bar on Poultry Street near Bank of England. He served it in a small tankard known as a "No. 1 Cup", hence its subsequent name. Pimm's began large-scale production in 1851 to keep up with sales to other bars. The distillery began selling it commercially in 1859 using hawkers on bicycles. After the Second World War, Pimm's extended their range, using a number of other spirits as bases for new cups. The recipe of Pimm's No.1 is secret; it has a dark tea colour with a reddish tint, and tastes subtly of spice and citrus fruit. The Mercer has found the perfect easy to make recipe for a Pimm’s cocktail which won’t leave you cold in the rainy days of autumn. The Zubrowka vodka brings a hint of cinnamon to balance the fruitiness of Pimm's and passion fruit. English Passion Pimm's No.1, serves 1 person 50 ml of Pimms No.1 25 ml Zubrowka vodka Flesh and juice of 1 passion fruit Dash of sugar syrup Take a shaker 2/3 full of ice and add all the above ingredients. Shake well and strain into a tumbler full of ice. Top up with soda water and garnish with a sprig of mint and two short straws.

The Mercer, 34 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AY  London  ::Tel 0207 628 0001::  info@themercer.co.uk