Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Star Anise

Gather allspice and star anise in a 4-inch square of cheesecloth and tie into a sachet. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine sugar, orange juice, and 1/4 cup water. Add sachet and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar melts and liquid begins to bubble, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Return pot to stove over medium-high heat and add cranberries and zest. Cook until cranberries just begin to pop, about 7 minutes. Discard sachet. Transfer sauce to a medium serving container and refrigerate until chilled, 1 hour or up to 3 days.