In a saucepan over medium high heat, dissolve sugar in the water and orange juice and then add the orange zest, cinnamon stick, salt, clove, and cayenne.
Once gently boiling, add cranberries and continue to cook for 10 minutes over medium heat stirring occasionally. The cranberries will “pop”!
After the cranberries have broken down and the sauce has thickened, stir in the brandy and cook for a minute or until alcohol has cooked off, and then remove from heat. Allow sauce to cool and then remove the cinnamon stick and the clove.
Reheat when ready to serve. (Can be made several days in advance.)