There are a lot of people switching to different drugs like weed that are less harmful than alcohol. Assuming it's the mind-altering effects you're after. Tastiness can maybe be replicated with edibles or infused drinks.

Well it's individual to the person what makes them happy. I had to try a lot of stuff I was meh about to get there.
If you liked tasting things, why not try your expertise at a chocolate/cheese tasting place. If you enjoyed drunk driving go buy a Tesla which replicates the experience perfectly.

Suggestion: LSD or LSD analogues in an amount just north of a micro dose. Have had folks report back feeling alert, chatty, and very open to having silly and/or indepth conversations with strangers. That and (compared to a night of drinking) waking up feeling like a million bucks, if a little tired depending on how late they stayed up as a result.

Your mileage may vary (perhaps significantly), but hey, it's an honest suggestion. Comes with its own risks too, but doesn't everything that isn't just clean living and self-improvement? If you end up taking this seriously, I recommend doing a little reading first to make an informed decision (erowid.org has a lot of useful information).

Life is not always comfortable but it can get more comfortable provided you make yourself uncomfortable first.

The more crutch you use, the weaker your muscle to deal with these awkward situations becomes.

Don't forget the "why" and ask yourself "what's the worst that could happen" when you reach for alcohol vs simply talking to people and letting yourself naturally settle.