In a small sauce pot, heat the apple cider at a simmer over medium heat until reduced by half, approximately 5-8 minutes. (If not simmering, turn up to medium high heat and watch carefully).
Add the cranberries, diced apple, and sugar. Stir to combine. Heat over medium heat until it returns to a boil. (Use more apple if desired).
Reduce heat to low. Add the cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
Simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Some cranberries will remain whole and some will burst.
Add the zest of half an orange, and the juice of half an orange (or a full tangerine). Stir. If needed, add a little water or cider to loosen the sauce if desired. Season to taste with more of any spice or sugar as desired.
Cool the sauce until ready to serve. The sauce will continue to thicken as it chills.
Notes
This makes approximately 1 1/4 cups, enough for 8-10 people.You can also use frozen cranberries.To make a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup.Use a zester (microplane) like this one to zest the orange.This tool also comes in handy for cheese or chocolate grating!Easy make this sauce a day or two in advance to free up time for cooking the day-of!For more of an apple flavor, increase the apple amount to a full apple. Add some apple after cooking if you want crispier apple pieces.