Your first one or two drinks are to get you drunk. After those wait half an hour for your system to absorb all the alcohol, then take a moment and reassess. Is this comfortable? Do I feel sick? Can I get up and walk around? Am I aware of my surroundings?

If you feel good but noticeably drunk then slow way down, this is when you need to switch from getting drunk to staying drunk. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.