The evidence is still inconclusive. Drinking alcoholic beverages can enhance socialization yet many people then become dependent upon alcohol to assist them in socializing. This dependence results in a need for alcohol in order to socialize because the social skills we develop while impaired do not transfer very well to the sober state. Many students talk to me about how much fun they have socializing at parties but are not very good at interacting with others in other social environments. We refer to this as State Dependent Learning resulting in an inability to socialize without alcohol.
Alcoholic beverage is used in sacred ritual in many religions.
Some people simply like the taste of the various alcoholic drinks. I hope this helps in your understanding about drinking alcoholic beverages. As you can see, I hope, I am not against drinking. I drink alcoholic beverages occasionally. However, I believe as do most people, consumption of alcoholic beverages should be limited to low risk consumption.