I drink straight whiskey, my being of Irish ancestry.
Makers whiskey is my general go to, it's a Kentucky bourbon, doesn't burn your tong, mouth, or throat, but leaves a bad after taste. A chaser can be used but I'd avoid mixing.
I'll have a shot or two after a really long or hard day, and I'll polish off an entire bottle over the course of a night if I'm partying, I'm a heavy-weight drinker, but I don't party often.
The idea of alcohol is that it relaxes people, the trick is to find a drink you like and only drink enough to get a buzz. If you start feeling sick, STOP DRINKING. I hate people that end up throwing up then go back to drinking. It's great to have 1-2 drinks at a social event just because the liquid 'courage' can help you approach people, it calms nerves.
I look at it this way, asking out the hot girl at the party is a Stupid move, and so is everything else that jumps into your head under the influence, but the girl might like you and if the drink got you to go talk to her then it's a good thing, in moderation.