1-First, rinse 1 (12 ounce) bag of fresh cranberries and blend them with 3 cups of water in a high-powered blender for at least 3 minutes until smooth.

2-Next, strain the blended mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to get a clear liquid.

3-Then, stir in ½ cup honey until it dissolves fully.

4-Add 3 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 inch of fresh ginger to the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

5-Remove the thyme and ginger before use to keep the flavors balanced.

6-For the cocktail, fill a glass with ice, add 3 ounces of cranberry infused water, 2 ounces of fresh orange juice, 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur, and 1 ounce of vodka, then stir and garnish with fresh cranberries and star anise if desired.

7-For the mocktail, fill a glass with ice, add 3 ounces of cranberry infused water and 2 ounces of fresh orange juice, stir, and garnish similarly.