I grappled with the whole notion of alcohol for a long time. I grew up in a holiness background that proclaimed alcohol, tobacco and dancing as a sin. That judgemental attitude kept my father, an alcoholic, out of church. See, he worked in a factory that made filters for cigarettes, along side many of the church leaders.
That said, I was in my mid-20s before I felt comfortable telling myself that alcohol wasn't going to send me to hell. But, when I did, I made the determination that I would never drink when I ~needed~ a drink, nor would I drink alone. That has served me well.
It's mostly wine these days. Beer would get the frown of the trainer.
I understand and can respect people who don't drink. That's their choice and their conviction.
But moderate consumption of alcohol is not a sin. The Bible also tells us that gluttony is a sin. If we apply the same standard, none of us would eat. Ever.
I would wager I'm a better witness to my friends by going out on Friday night, having fun and maybe one drink with them, than I would be if I refused all alcohol and claimed it was because I was a Christian.
So why drink at all?