Cocktails in Color: A Conversation with Author Sammi Katz and Illustrator Olivia McGiff

An illustrator walks into a bar… Join us for an evening of cocktails and conversation with Sammi Katz and Olivia McGiff the authors of the new illustrated book, Cocktails in Color: A Spirited Guide to the Art and Joy of Drinkmaking. 

The evening will include a discussion moderated by Society of Illustrators’ president, Leslie Cober, and a Q&A. Enjoy complimentary cocktails from the book (nonalcoholic option available) and snacks. Copies of the book and merch will be available for purchase.

About the Book:

An artistic cocktail book that is as beautiful as it is practical. By utilizing design and their expertise, Sammi and Olivia have created a vibrant, knowledgeable guide for both seasoned and newbie drinkmakers.  

COCKTAILS IN COLOR celebrates the craft of drinkmaking, from raw ingredients to finished, delightful refreshments. Together, Sammi Katz and Olivia McGiff explore the elements, tastes, and techniques of all things drinks to create an accessible, visually delicious new guide to drinking that gives you the tools to design your own cocktails. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new kid at the bar, COCKTAILS IN COLOR deserves a spot on your bar cart. Each page is fully illustrated with rich inspiring gouache paintings. This book encourages readers to explore a palette of ingredients for their developing palate. 

COCKTAILS IN COLOR is available at your local bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Bookshop.org.

Sammi Katz is a writer and bartender from New York City. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for all things cocktails and is always up for a lively debate about the appropriate garnish for a Last Word. She is the creator of the blog A Girl’s Guide to Drinking Alone. Olivia McGiff is an artist living in Brooklyn. She designs book covers by day and illustrates drinks, dogs, and loved ones by night. Her illustration work has been featured in LitHub and Corriere della Sera’s COOK. Together, Sammi and Olivia work as a writer-illustrator duo to make cocktails and spirits accessible and fun. Their joint work has appeared in The New York Times and The Daily Beast, and they are coauthors of Cocktails in Color: A Spirited Guide to the Art and Joy of Drinkmaking.

An award-winning artist known for her uplifting art and design, Leslie Cober’s endeavors include accomplished artist, illustrator, designer, author & curator. Leslie is President of the Society of Illustrators NYC, and for the past 11 years is Curator and Chairperson of the Member’s Exhibit at The Museum of American Illustration. 

Leslie has illustrated for hundreds of publications, books, and agencies worldwide. In the last two years she has created 10 public art murals. Leslie is a professor at The Fashion Institute of Technology NYC in both the design and business school and teaches both MFA and Undergraduate students at Western Connecticut State University. Leslie is Curator of NYCParks “Art Culture Fun” series under the NYC mayor’s office. 

Leslie frequently visits Universities and Colleges throughout the country as a guest speaker, instructing students at all levels to think “out of the box” and to have a unique voice through their artwork. She serves as a member of the NYC Landmark50 Alliance and is appointed to the Sanford B Low Illustration Collection Committee at the New Britain Museum of American Art, where Leslie’s Strathmore cover artwork is part of their permanent collection. 

Leslie’s lifetime of expertise in all areas of the industry are visible as she maintains her own active professional practice. Currently serving on the Executive Board of the Society of Illustrators NYC and the Executive Board at FTC The Warehouse/Stage One Music Venue, clearly displays Leslie’s constant devotion to the art community.