This bourbon cranberry sauce is a fun twist on the classic. It’s sweet, tart, and packed with flavor, thanks to the rich addition of bourbon!
Every holiday table needs this sauce! It pairs perfectly with turkey and can even be a yummy spread on sandwiches later. Trust me, it’s hard to resist! 😄
I love how easy it is to make. Just simmer the cranberries with sugar and bourbon. In no time, you’ve got a gorgeous sauce that impresses everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for vibrant flavor and texture. You can use frozen if fresh aren’t available; just add them straight to the pot without thawing.
Bourbon: This lends a deep, rich flavor to the sauce. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, substitute with orange juice or apple cider, but the taste will differ slightly.
Sugar: White granulated sugar works best. You can swap it for brown sugar for a little more caramel flavor, or use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, adjusting the quantity to taste.
Herbs: The rosemary adds a lovely layer of flavor but can be replaced with thyme or simply omitted if you want a straightforward sauce. A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can be added for warmth!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cranberry Sauce Consistency?
Getting the right thickness for your cranberry sauce can be tricky. You’ll want to simmer the mixture until the cranberries burst and thicken the sauce, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Here are my tips:
- Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, stirring occasionally.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, use a masher to gently crush some of the berries during cooking.
- Don’t forget that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so take it off the heat when it’s slightly runny!
Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish and infusion)
Sweet and Liquid Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup water
Optional Spices:
- Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bourbon cranberry sauce will take about 20 minutes total: about 5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold running water in a colander. Make sure to pick out any stems or damaged berries to ensure a clean sauce.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the cleaned cranberries, sugar, bourbon, water, orange zest, and lemon juice. This creates a deliciously fragrant mixture right from the start.
3. Add Rosemary (Optional):
If you’d like to infuse some herbal flavor, toss in a sprig of rosemary. Don’t worry; you’ll be removing it later!
4. Bring to a Boil:
Put the saucepan on medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar completely.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce. Cook it until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens a bit, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally!
6. Mash for Smoother Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can gently mash some of the cranberries with the back of a spoon while they cook.
7. Remove Rosemary:
After cooking, take out the rosemary sprig. It has done its job lending flavor, and now it’s time to say goodbye!
8. Cool the Sauce:
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken even more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a beautiful presentation, garnish with additional orange zest and a small sprig of rosemary if desired. This adds color and extra flavor!
10. Enjoy and Store:
Serve this delicious bourbon cranberry sauce with turkey, chicken, or even as a tangy condiment for your sandwiches. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
While fresh or frozen cranberries are best for this recipe due to their tartness and juiciness, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to reduce the sugar, as dried cranberries are sweeter, and add some additional water or orange juice to compensate for the moisture in fresh berries.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of sugar to 1/2 cup or even 1/3 cup. You can also balance out the sweetness by adding a bit more lemon juice or a pinch of salt, which will enhance the flavors!
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce can be made several days ahead of your gathering. Just refrigerate it once it cools completely. It keeps well for up to a week, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover bourbon cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to a week. You can reheat it gently on the stove or serve it chilled—you choose!