We Ask Bartender Katrina Sobredilla About Art of Natural, Hand-Crafted Cocktails

Bartender Katrina Sobredilla uses natural ingredients and natural sugars that promote health benefits for the skin, hair, and body, such as aloe vera, blackberry hongchu, and sugar snap peas. 8282’s cocktails are all hand-made from scratch, from the schnapps to bitters to 8282’s triple sec.

 

Situated in the Lower East Side of New York City, 8282 is far from a typical Korean bar restaurant. Both the food menu and bar pairing have a modernized twist to them. They also serve Anju & Banju. “Anju” being the Korean term for any type of food you pair with beverages, and “banju” representing the combination of friendship, food, and drinks. These together encapsulate the focal point of the 8282 experience, exceptional food, and delectable drinks all enjoyed with great company.

 

 

Their cocktail program keys in on a farm to table concept with Korean ingredients to pair with the menu. Bringing in twists on classics as well as new flavors. Syrups, schnapps, and bitters are made in house so they can control not just the flavors, but the value it can bring to the cocktails. Unlike most places, 8282 cares about the wellbeing of their guests which is evident through their choice of cocktail ingredients. They lean towards a more feminine palate with light flavors and infusions. Also, before their bar team chooses an ingredient, they consider things like skin hygiene, hydration, and overall effect on the body as well. This led the incorporation of natural ingredients and natural sugars such as aloe vera, blackberry hongchu, and sugar snap peas. These all promote significant health benefits for the skin, hair, and body.

 

 

Delving into the inspiration behind 8282’s beverage offerings, well-versed Sobredilla says, “Growing up my grandparents were farmers in the Philippines, which made me understand the importance of what’s in season. Through the years of traveling and just nostalgia of life I intertwine flavors that have awakened my palate or bringing me back to a memory of my youth, with a twist of Korean ingredients and being able to introduce new flavors not just to myself but to the guests as well.”

 

 

To ensure the continued success of her unique bar program, Katrina makes sure to keep an open mind. “It’s all about trying to think outside the box and seeking out new flavors and ingredients. To me it’s almost like finding a chef for a kitchen to help run it successfully through his flavors. That is what a mixologist and bartender is to a bar. It’s takes one dish to make a memorable experience and that’s what I want to execute in a cocktail.”

 

 

Katrina uses natural ingredients and natural sugars that promote health benefits for the skin, hair, and body, such as aloe vera, blackberry hongchu, and sugar snap peas. 8282’s cocktails are all hand-made from scratch, from the schnapps to bitters to 8282’s triple sec.
One creation that is set apart is the Tea Party, made up of jasmine tea soju, corn tea syrup, and calpico, was inspired by the Espresso Martini. Katrina was motivated to create a drink that mimicked the Espresso Martini for those who may not drink caffeine or tend to stay away from coffee; thus, a tea-inspired Martini.

 

 

Wrapping up, Sobredilla offered some words of inspiration to all bartenders out there. “Love what you do and make sure you make a difference in the process.”