Cranberry-Blood Orange Spritz

Stir together sugar, cranberries, orange slices, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until cranberries just start to burst, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Remove orange slices; discard. Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 1 week.

In a pitcher, combine syrup, vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. Serve over crushed ice, with mint and fresh orange slices.