Start by lining a baking sheet with a few paper towels.
Pour ½ cup of sugar into a glass mixing bowl and set it aside — you’ll use this for coating later.
In a small saucepan, combine the water and ¼ cup of sugar over medium heat.
Stir the mixture with a silicone spatula until the sugar is completely dissolved and everything is well blended.
Let the sugar syrup cool down completely.
Dip the cranberries and rosemary sprigs into the cooled syrup, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Roll the cranberries and rosemary, a few at a time, in the reserved sugar until they’re fully coated. Let them dry on the baking sheet lined with fresh paper towels before using as a sweet, sparkly garnish.