Like almost everything in life, "it depends". The most current thinking is that the best number of drinks is none. We don't get enough benefit from alcohol consumption to offset the increased numbers of drunk drivers, alcoholics, accidents, early deaths due to accidents, hidden diseases, etc. to make any intake "helpful". That said, some places in France and Italy (I'm sure you've heard of them) have lower coronary artery disease, and other diseases, when its denizens drink the approximation of 2 glasses of red wine daily. However, this is just a pocket of aberrancy, according to statisticians. It doesn't seem to imply that everyone will benefit from two glasses of red wine daily.
What's a drinker to do? Well, best become a teetotaler. Failing that, drinks up to 2 oz. a day (and that doesn't mean home-made drinks; pouring half the glass full of vodka, and the other half of tonic, doesn't count as one drink; it's more like 3 or 4.) Two drinks equals 2-1 oz. drinks of alcohol, 80 proof, or 2 cans of beer. No more. And, have a designated driver. Yes, even at that low level, where you feel fine, your reflexes are diminished, and, even though you "blow" only .06, you're still impaired, even if not legally so.
The above applies to men only. women are "allowed" only 3/4 that amount. 1-1/3 drinks or 1-1/2 beers. Sorry 'bout that.
