Lately I just use 1/2 tsp, but I think it was two scoops with the small traditional “J” shaped scoop. I also use a frother now. It’s not as textured with a frother as a whisk. I do prefer ceremonial grade for plain drinking by a long shot. The culinary grade is quite astringent which isn’t necessarily bad, but it tastes just exactly like Starbucks heavy latte matcha.
Ceremonial matcha is…different. It tastes sweet and green, because it has huge amounts of L-Theanine in it. It should taste vegetal and not terribly bitter. I’m not sure how else to describe it. It’s definitely acquired to drink on its own, but it is satisfying in an odd way, too.
Culinary is usually a more golden color. Culinary is great for lattes or any other drink where you don’t want to taste just the matcha. The ceremonial grade is totally wasted on lattes, because the dairy and added sweetener masks the subtle flavors. I’ve never had ceremonial cold, but culinary cold with dariy makes a pretty awesome iced latte.
You could prolly do fine with culinary hot, too, even without dairy, particularly if you like super bitter/astringent stuff.
Culinary is also amazing with avocado and also in lemonade. Could probably recreate the latter with some crystal light. I also used to make panna cotta with it. It is a great savory ingredient, too. I used to roast chicken with it.