How to choose spirits? I'm almost 20 years old and a 2nd year UG student. After going to college, occasionally I tried a bit of Vodka (Smirnoff, Magic Moments), Whiskey (Red Label, Signature, etc.), Rum (Old Monk), etc.
As our stipend is not that high (5k/month in Indian currency, Much more than many UG stipends though).
It would be great if I can get some light on how to select among these drinks, how are they chosen (say for serving various purposes), how can I both save money and have a fine drink, etc, etc.
All of them may be had straight, as they often are in the places from where they originate.
Having said that, some people find cheaper spirits more palatable when mixed:

Vodka + orange juice
Whisk(e)y + Coca Cola (or Ginger Ale) + perhaps some squeezed lime
Rum + Coca Cola + squeezed lime

How much mixer to use, is up to individual taste. Some might prefer to camouflage the spirit entirely, while others times want the spirit to 'bleed through' the drink.