In a large saucepan, heat 2 cups water and 1 cup cranberries to a boil. Cover and let simmer 20 min, adding star anise, cinnamon stick and clove in halfway through.
Meanwhile, toss cranberries in sugar then skewer onto toothpicks.
Remove star anise, cinnamon stick and clove. Strain cranberries through a fine mesh sieve until all liquid is squeezed out. Pour juice back into saucepan, then stir in sugar, orange juice and lemon juice.
Garnish four cocktail glasses with ice, sugared cranberry toothpicks, star anise, thyme and cinnamon sticks.
Add 1/2 cup sparkling water to each glass, then add 1/4 cup cranberry juice and 1 oz vodka to each glass. Add a spritz of lime before serving - enjoy!