All points on alcohol aside...
I believe the real difference is the mixture, aka Sugar content.
Drinking those pre-mix lollie water drinks is certainly WORSE for you than say a nip.
Alcohol is a sugar, so you can't get drunk without drinking some... But in what you choose to drink, you can keep this to a minimum.
Eg, Low-carb beer is "better" than regular beer, from a fitness and diet conscious perspective (assuming same alcohol %).