good drunk

Probably first used in literature in this manner by Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises (1926).

• "In many quarters, "it is important to be a good drunk to fit in socially" (make that across the board if you are male)."
• "He was drinking a lot back when I first met him. A real heavy drinker, but a good drunk. He never let his ugly side show."
• "The boss and my fellow workers were well aware of my drinking habits, but I had always been able to keep my wits about me. I was a good drunk, as they say."

• happy drunk

• sad drunk

• hold one's liquor