Shōsho – Iced Shincha and the Sound of Summer
Hello everyone, this is Keko from the online team 😊
In early July, we enter a seasonal period known in Japan as Shōsho (Minor Heat).
It marks the gentle beginning of true summer—a time when the warmth deepens, and everything feels just a little heavier.
And during this season, one of my favorite rituals is enjoying shincha as iced tea—
especially served on the rocks.
🍵 Shincha × Ice = Perfect Pairing
You might think of shincha (new tea) as something best enjoyed in spring.
But surprisingly, it’s also wonderful in summer—especially when served chilled.
Here’s how I love to prepare it:
Brew the tea with hotter water and slightly stronger than usual
Pour it slowly over a glass full of ice
The result?
A refreshing, crisp drink that still holds all the depth and aroma of freshly picked leaves.
It’s bright, clean, and quietly luxurious.
🧊 Even the sound of ice is a treat
The soft clink of ice cubes,
the quiet swirl of green tea meeting the cold—
Even these small sounds become part of the experience.
In the middle of a hot day, they’re like a breeze in your glass.
🌱 Tea brings stillness—even in summer
Iced tea isn’t just about cooling down.
It refreshes the spirit, clears the mind,
and leaves a soft sweetness in its wake.
When the summer heat feels overwhelming,
a single glass of iced shincha can bring balance back to your day.
Take a moment this month—
Brew your tea just a little stronger,
add a generous helping of ice,
and let the season melt away with every sip.
This is summer, in a cup 🍵