For the cranberries: At least 24 hours ahead of serving, bring ½ cup maple syrup and 1 cup orange to a boil, simmer until maple syrup is dissolved. Remove from heat and drop in cranberries. Refrigerate until a few hours before serving.
Drain cranberries from liquid (you can reserve liquid to top pancakes with or to sweeten other holiday dishes but usually very little liquid is left).
Dry cranberries on paper towels and then lightly roll in granulated sugar if desired.
To prepare the drinks:
Fill each glass with ¼ cup orange juice and ½ cup seltzer water. Top with several cranberries.