I always drank it to stop thinking about shit. Turns out if you need it for that it ends up doing you more harm than good though.
I drank for many reasons but NEVER for the taste alone.
1.) To forget bad things like death, stress, relationship problems etc. etc.
2.) To cut the edge after a long day or event.
3.) At a function or party to cut the nervous edge of talking and interacting with people. Alcohol made me more talkative and relaxed. Conversation flowed better.
4.) Boredom
5.) To celebrate an important event like a birthday party of christening etc.
Just a few reasons off the top of my head.
I use to get drunk quicker when I was younger due to inexperience and youthful ego. If I get drunk these days its because I really want to due to my feelings at the time. If I have an important event the next day then I would either NOT DRINK at all or just get a mild buzz. Nothing worse than attending an important social event with an enormous hangover.