This bourbon cranberry sauce adds a fun twist to your holiday meals! It’s tangy, sweet, and has a little kick from the bourbon. Perfect for turkey or even on toast!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just throw the ingredients in a pot and let them cook until bubbly. It’s my favorite way to jazz up leftovers, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this sauce due to their tartness. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen cranberries can work too—just don’t thaw them before cooking. They’ll burst beautifully during cooking!
Bourbon: The bourbon adds depth and warmth. If you prefer an alcohol-free option, use apple juice or cranberry juice instead. They’ll bring sweetness without the kick of bourbon.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor. Honey or maple syrup can also work, just adjust to taste since they’re sweeter than sugar.
Orange Zest: This adds a bright flavor. If you’re out of oranges, lemon zest can be a great substitute. It will create a different flavor profile, but still delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Cranberry Sauce Thickens Properly?
Thickening the sauce is all about cooking it just right. During the simmering stage, the cranberries will burst, and the sauce will naturally thicken as it cooks. Here are a few tips:
- Keep the heat low once it boils. This prevents burning while allowing it to simmer gently.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- If you find it’s not thickening enough, let it simmer a few minutes longer—just keep an eye on it!
After cooking, remember it thickens more as it cools, so don’t worry if it’s a bit liquidy right off the heat!
Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 orange)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Fresh rosemary sprig and extra orange zest for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Bourbon Cranberry Sauce takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 5 minutes gathering and measuring your ingredients, and then about 15 minutes cooking and simmering. It’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by adding the granulated sugar, water, and bourbon to a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar has fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Add the Cranberries and Spices:
Once the mixture is boiling, stir in the fresh cranberries, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Be sure to mix everything well so the cranberries get coated with the sweet, spiced liquid.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
After adding the cranberries, bring the pot back to a boil, then decrease the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the cranberries starting to burst and the sauce thickening up. Keep an eye on it!
4. Cool and Thicken:
Once the sauce has thickened and most of the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool at room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools down.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your beautiful sauce to a serving bowl. If you like, you can garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a bit more orange zest for a lovely touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your vibrant bourbon cranberry sauce at room temperature or chilled. It pairs wonderfully with turkey and other holiday dishes, and makes for a tasty leftover topping on sandwiches too!
Enjoy the rich flavors of this bourbon cranberry sauce that harmoniously blends tartness with a hint of warmth and sweetness!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, and there’s no need to thaw them first! Just toss them directly into the saucepan; they’ll burst beautifully while cooking.
How Long Does This Sauce Last in the Fridge?
This bourbon cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just give it a stir before serving as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Option for Bourbon?
Yes! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the bourbon with apple juice or ginger ale. Both options will add sweetness and warmth without the alcohol.
