Summer finally hit Seattle and we celebrated our overdue solstice at the Capitol Hill Block Party

Last year, we threw a big, all-weekend event for the Capitol Hill Block Party given our close proximity to one of Seattle’s many annual music festivals.  This year we kicked off the event with date night at Dinette, then opted for a last minute and low key gathering, and only trekking to the Saturday lineup after some fun, summery, homemade cocktails.  Here’s a fruit filled mix that will surely keep you cool this summer.

Find yourself some pretty glass and muddle ice with lemon, lime, basil, rosemary, mint, and brown sugar.  You can also add in some raspberries, too (which is what I ended up doing the second round ).  Don’t know how to muddle?  Here’s a friendly overview.

Add your favorite flavored vodka and seltzer water (we used Absolut Berry Acai and Canada Dry Raspberry Club Soda).

Then, put a little splash into your drink with your favorite juice of choice.  I had some extra coconut water fruit juice from Jamba Juice sitting in my fridge and I figured it wasn’t a bad choice.

Garnish your drink with any remaining rosemary, like so.  Are you thirsty yet?

Oh, and a couple of raspberries sit pretty too.

We also had some notable aperitifs, but a girl’s gotta spill her beans slowly.  Check back later for Petit Goat Cheese & Prosciutto – until then, you can nosh on some guacamole and chips.

Summer Fun Punch
Serves as many you are willing to be merry with

+ Vodka with favorite flavor of your choice (Tip: Absolut Berry Acai)
+ Club Soda (Tip: Canada Dry Raspberry Club Soda)
+ Fruit Juice
+ Rosemary (removed from stem)
+ Basil (chopped)
+ Mint
+ Lemon (chopped)
+ Lime (chopped)
+ Raspberries
+ Ice
+ Fun Friends