Concerns over post-workout beverages

So I'm having some issues with a specific part of my daily routine.

For the P90X program you're supposed to consume a recovery drink 20 minutes after exercising. According to the program, it must be a drink that has a ratio of 4:1 carbs to protein for best results.

Well, I've been researching alternatives to the P90X Post Recovery beverage because 1 tub is 40 dollars for only 25 servings. That's around 1.60 per drink. Whew.

A lot of websites say that chocolate milk is a perfect replacement--many sources and studies have said that it works, and chocolate milk does retain the 4:1 carbs to protein ratio.

Well, the more I ask about it, the more complicated the answers I receive. Apparently this 4:1 ratio doesn't matter too much. You can apparently get excellent results by simply putting a serving of whey protein into low fat milk. This would break the 4:1 thing but apparently that's what practically everyone is saying now. Even better would be to get some grape juice, add whey protein and creatine.

Either way, whey protein and chocolate milk are way better for the wallet. I'm really going to have to research and get good answers before I can decide which to use.