--Don't drink too fast. You can sip a drink just like you'd sip a Coke or whatever. Don't feel obligated to start "chugging."
--"Beer before liquor, never been sicker": Although this is not true for most people, it's true for enough people that you should NEVER start with beer.
--Don't degrade your lovely drinking habit with nasty beer (e.g. Natural Ice), no matter how cheap it is.
--Don't drink anything you don't like. You'll have to drink it faster to disguise the taste, which means you'll probably drink more, and be a much messier and pissed-off drunk.
--Don't drink on school/work nights too much (coming from a slightly-hung-over Interlander on this lovely Wednesday morning).
--Even though you said "social drinker," don't drink alone. Or at least, don't get drunk alone.
--And don't be ashamed of "girly drinks"! They taste good!
--Personal advice: Tequila shots gave me the worst hangover of my life. I was hungover until dinnertime the next time, and throwing up through the early afternoon.
--Program the number of a cab company into your cell phone so you're never without it, or carry a card for the cab company in your wallet.
--Only drink with people you trust. If the bar/party you're at looks a little shady, maybe have one wee drink and drink it very slowly. And of course, NEVER accept a drink at aparty from someone you don't know. (I know you're 27 and not likely to go to very many drinking parties like college kids, but still, it's a good thing to put out there).
--And on a more fun note: Adopt at least one little-known drink and make it your own. Memorize the ingredients and see if you can stump a bartender.
Or better yet, invent your own (mine is called the Tippled Abby).
I hope that helps you out.