I don't love the taste of alcohol either really, I do like a Guinness, from time to time. Most drinks are piss, but so are most sodas to me. I think as a kid, you drink with friends because it's 'cool' and being drunk feels fresh and new when you're a teen; it's the first rebellious act. It also dispels awkward teen situations, aids in making new friends, talking to girls and so on.
When you get older, drinking is almost a nostalgic thing, the taste, to me brings back loads of memories of good times and old friends. It's associated with having fun, freedom and youth- for those of us who drank as teens anyway. I think this is why social drinking is far more popular in Europe than in the USA. It is not at all uncommon to find people in the USA who don't drink at all, perhaps because the law states you must be 21 and so for many when they finally try it as an adult they don't have those nostalgic connections and see it for what it really is.
That said, some people just really like the taste, there are a few drinks I really do enjoy, but let's face it, none are as good as tea, coffee or banana milkshake. ;D
