www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 18-24, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 55 CHILL Aimi can come to the rescue when you are bratty and undecided, when some cocktails on the menu seem too strong, others too sweet or too sour. Faithful to the Japanese roots of this drink, Stokes Adobe’s Aimi is based on high-quality Haku vodka, made from white rice. Dry orange curacao, honey, lemon and green apple juice keep Haku company. But vodka is just one option. Aimi is just as appealing with whiskey or gin—both preferably Japanese. Aimi means “love and beauty” in Japanese, and the cocktail strives to keep to these ideals. It is fresh, combining subtle sweetness and nuanced citrus notes. The Stokes Adobe’s version makes one think about a refined margarita—without aggressiveness of tequila—or a much lighter version of Brazilian caipirinha. Since Aimi is not always on the menu, it would probably make sense to learn how to make it at home—a stylish, easy-to-drink cocktail that is not overtly complicated in terms of mixing. In addition to investing in Japanese liquor, some versions of Aimi include ume (plum) and Super Sawa (or Sūpāsawā), a non-alcoholic mixer which blends five different acids: citric, malic, tartaric, succinic and phosphoric. Aimi is $18 at Stokes Adobe, and it will be hard to limit yourself to one. Fortunately, it also comes in a non-alcoholic version. It is served with thin fresh slices of Granny Smith mounted on top. It tastes of beauty and sophistication, suiting the ambiance of the bar at Stokes. Stokes Adobe, 500 Hartnell St., Monterey. (831) 264-8775, stokesadobe.com. Chasing Aimi Stokes Adobe’s take on a Japanese cocktail, an occasional feature on the menu, is a prize find. By Agata Popęda SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com AGATA POPĘDA ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play 622 LIGHTHOUSE AVE. MONTEREY. @HULASTIKI • (831) 655-HULA (4852) the original The Oven Pizzeria is here to help! Whether it’s a corporate event, family gathering, or a graduation party, we’ve got the perfect pizzas to please everyone. Choose from our classic East Coast thin crust or signature West Coast sourdough for that unique slice. Let us handle the meal, so you can enjoy the time. Craving Pizza? Catering made easy visit www.TheOvenOnBroadway.com for our menu Call us at 831-899-1762 to order! FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375
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