The past two months my left ankle swells up after drinking beer. i also have varicose veins in my left calf. does one have to do with the other?

It may: Alcohol consumption leads to dehydration which may lead to water retention in the body and hence swelling of the feet and ankle. Not sure how much beer you are drinking, but may want to decrease consumption.

Possibly: Patients with varicose veins have venous hypertension buildup inside their leg veins which often leads to accumulation of tissue fluid around the ankle on the affected side. When you drink fluids, even more fluid will accumulate in the tissues abnormally. Unless the varicose veins & venous hypertension is fixed, the condition tends to worsen with time. Seek opinion from a vascular surgeon.

V V's and beer: Varicose veins may lead to ankle swelling but I doubt that drinking beer has anything to do with the ankle swelling. See a vein specialist for an evaluation.