I have invented a refreshing summertime drink!

Yes, I invented a summer beverage and it kicks lemonade's ass! It is a frothy blend of creamy milk and spices. I call it the Whirling Dervish. You can think of it as Mony Milk. Or a lazy gal's horchata, with a Middle Eastern twist.

Here's how to make it:

In a regular drinking glass, pour in soy milk or almond milk. Sorry, cows won't work here. Dairy doesn't have the right flavor.

Add a jigger or two of pure vanilla extract AND rum flavoring. The latter is not optional.

Add reckless amounts of the following: cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper. Yes, pepper. Gives it an extra kick.

Stir, and watch the spices whirl away like a Sufi master.

Now, add several squirts of honey --at least a teaspoon, more if you prefer.

Stir again.

Finally, add several ice cubes, to make the milk extra cold, and stir a third time, to mix everything together in deep, frigid-y goodness. Note: The honey and spices tend to coagulate in places. Bonus!

Drink up ---how delightful ---and sludgy!

Alternatives: I made this so often I ran out of cardamom. I found I had a lot of pumpkin pie spice on hand, since I never make pumpkin pies, and don't know why the hell I bought it in the first place, so I used that instead. Tasted great ---almost like an egg nog.

Or you could just use a combo of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Or get crazy and toss some marjoram in there. (Not really).