Combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the cranberries and simmer for 10 minutes or until the berries soften and pop. Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature.
Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar, pressing the cranberries to extract as much juice as possible. Refrigerate up to 1 month. (Makes about 1¾ cups.)
Cocktail
Combine the brandy, lemon juice, and syrup in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled martini, coupe, or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with an orange twist. (Makes 1 cocktail.)