Chilled Matcha

Here's a refreshing twist on the traditional preparation of ceremonial matcha.  The picture captures its gorgeous green color, and the ice cubes poking up from the luscious layer of froth.  

Preparation: 

In a matcha bowl, use two heaping chashaku or 1 1/2 teaspoons of ceremonial matcha.  

Pour water that's just off of the boil into a separate cup, then transfer it to the matcha bowl.  The transferring of water from one vessel to another cools it down by a few degrees. Normally, you'd fill the matcha bowl to 30% of capacity with the hot water.  For this iced drink, we are only going to put enough water to make the matcha dissolve, or about 10-15% capacity.  Stir gently until matcha dissolves.

Then add cold water to the matcha and fill to 30% capacity.  Using a matcha whisk, stir briskly until completely blended and a nice froth forms.  Add a couple of ice cubes, and enjoy!