When it comes to sweet summer treats, children shouldn't have all the fun. The Bench kitchen, bar, and lakeside patio, a restaurant at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, has transformed traditional shaved ice into cool cocktail creations for adults.

Mixologists at the Gaithersburg, Maryland, restaurant elevate refreshing frozen treats to an art, combining shaved ice, freshly squeezed juices, and hand-blended recipes for a sunny taste with mature appeal that's perfect for sipping on the lakeside patio. People can bring their dogs along to chill out on the pet-friendly patio with complimentary plain shaved ice.

"Almost any cocktail can be suited to shaved ice," says Nicole Watkins, senior food and beverage operations manager at The Bench. "It's an easy way to turn up the wow factor and add a touch of nostalgia to outdoor get-togethers."

Flavors such as Sangria, Tequila Sunrise, and Mojito hit the spot during the summer season. To celebrate Independence Day, The Bench will offer a Red, White, and Blue made with Deep Eddy Vodka, Pama Liqueur, and Blue Curacao for $5 all day on July 4. Happy Hour food and drink specials are available from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. Yappy Hour is celebrated at the same time on the pet-friendly patio, where dogs enjoy complimentary chef-prepared biscuits.

Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, one of the centrally located hotels near RIO Center, introduced its signature restaurant in 2013. Thirteen high-definition televisions indoors and outdoors make it the perfect place to kick back and relax with a shaved ice cocktail. The spacious patio features stylish seating overlooking the walking trail, lake, and swan boats at the RIO Washingtonian Center shopping and entertainment complex. Guests can dine on The Bench's patio and listen to RIO's free live concerts from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer.