Step 1

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; measure one cup of syrup, reserve and refrigerate any extra for another use.

Step 2

Heat the syrup to a boil and then reduce heat to medium. Add the cranberries and simmer for 2-3 minutes until they just begin to burst. Remove from heat and let cool completely in the cranberry syrup.

Step 3

Reserve 3 of the candied cranberries per cocktail for garnish and set aside.

Step 4

Place 2 Tablespoons drained cranberries and 6 Tablespoons cranberry syrup in a large pitcher; add the lemon wedges and orange slices.

Step 5

Using a muddler or wooden spoon, vigorously mash the fruit.

Step 6

Stir in gin and let steep for at least 5 minutes.

Step 7

Strain into a medium pitcher.

Step 8

Fill 4 glasses with crushed ice and 1/4 cup ginger beer or ginger ale.

Step 9

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and then pour half the cranberry mixture into the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds, strain liquid into two glasses. Repeat.

Step 10

Mound additional ice on top of each glass and garnish with the candied cranberries and a mint sprig