This bourbon cranberry sauce is a fun twist on a holiday favorite! It mixes tart cranberries with the warm, smooth taste of bourbon, giving it a special kick.
Your Thanksgiving table is going to thank you! Plus, it’s super easy to make—just simmer the ingredients together and let the flavors shine. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe, but frozen ones work just as well. They are often picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, maintaining their flavor. If you can’t find cranberries at all, try using pomegranate or dark cherries instead for a similar tartness.
Bourbon: Bourbon adds a warm, caramel flavor to the sauce. If you want a non-alcoholic option, use a splash of vanilla extract instead, or add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a zesty touch.
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice gives the sauce a bright flavor. If you’re out of oranges, you could use bottled juice, but the fresh taste is unbeatable! Lemon juice works in a pinch, but remember it will change the flavor profile a bit.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary enhances the sauce’s aroma. If fresh rosemary isn’t available, dried rosemary can substitute, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
To achieve the right consistency for your cranberry sauce, it’s all about timing and technique. Cook the mixture until the cranberries have burst and softened. Keep an eye on it, as stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking.
- Start on medium heat to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the cranberries to pop and release their natural pectin, which thickens the sauce.
- If you want it thicker, simmer a little longer. For a looser sauce, you can remove it from heat sooner.
Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
- Pinch of salt
- Lemon peel curls for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This bourbon cranberry sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking. It will also need a little time to cool, so plan for about 30-45 minutes in total before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Take a moment to pick out any stems or soft berries. This ensures your sauce has the freshest flavor!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, fresh orange juice, and bourbon. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves. This will create a sweet, tangy base for your sauce!
3. Add the Cranberries and Flavorings:
Now, it’s time to add the rinsed cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon (if you’re using it), the rosemary sprig, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Finish and Cool:
Once the cranberries have burst, remove the rosemary sprig and discard it. Let the sauce cool at room temperature; it will thicken even more as it cools.
6. Serve with Style:
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary and lemon peel curls if you’d like to dress it up a bit. Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes!
Enjoy this tangy, sweet, and warm bourbon-infused cranberry sauce that’s sure to add a festive twist to your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries are a great substitute and require no additional preparation. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing, and they will cook perfectly as they heat up.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 1/2 cup or even less, depending on your taste. Remember, the sweetness can also depend on the tartness of the cranberries!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this bourbon cranberry sauce up to a week in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well and the flavors will meld beautifully over time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
