I started Absence of Proof after completely removing alcohol from my life in 2022. While I’d previously had a social, on-again/off-again relationship with alcohol, I realized that even a casual relationship with booze wasn’t serving me. Deep down, I knew alcohol wasn't helping me become the best version of myself and it was actively hindering my ability to feel good and thrive. Like many others of my generation, I was officially ‘sober-curious.’

Once I removed alcohol from my life, I really noticed there was a lack of nightlife options that didn't center around alcohol. I fundamentally felt that “otherness” or the social taboo of choosing not to drink in those typical alcohol-centric environments. I’d moved to New York to experience the style and energy of the city, and I still wanted the quintessential NYC nightlife experience, just without the alcohol. Despite my best efforts, I just couldn't find anywhere this existed.

 I'm a big believer in manifestation and I knew that if you can see something in your mind, you can create it. So, I got to work creating that vibrant experience that I felt the city was missing. From there, Absence of Proof, a non-alcoholic pop-up bar experience was born.

After creating many of these fun, booze-free events in New York City and building the amazing Absence of Proof community, I realized there was still more I could do to help normalize “not drinking.” So many of the messages on social media were asking about how to try the drinks at home, especially if they can't make it to a live event. That's what the Absence of Proof bottle shop is all about. I'm so excited to share some of the products we use behind the scenes, so you can create the same one-of-a-kind cocktail experience at home and continue to share in this amazing community, wherever you are.

So grateful for you,

Elizabeth Gascoigne

Founder and CEO