Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is a vibrant twist on a classic holiday favorite. Combining fresh cranberries with bright orange zest and a hint of bourbon, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warm flavors that complement any festive meal.
Ingredients
- 2 (12 oz.) packages of cranberries
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 3/4 cup water
- Zest of one orange, plus extra for garnish
- 1-3 tablespoons bourbon (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until most of the cranberries have popped and the liquid has substantially reduced.
- Step 2: Remove the sauce from heat and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to thicken. Serve garnished with extra orange zest, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Rewarm gently before serving if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the bourbon quantity according to your preference, starting with 1 tablespoon and increasing gradually for more warmth.
- For a spiced version, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cloves while cooking, then remove before serving.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, you can enjoy it cold or gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will even deepen with time.
Can I omit the bourbon if I prefer not to use alcohol?
Absolutely. You can leave out the bourbon or substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract or extra orange juice for a non-alcoholic alternative.
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Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups 1x
Description
This Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce brings a delightful twist to the classic holiday side dish with the vibrant flavors of fresh orange juice, zesty orange peel, and a splash of smooth bourbon. Sweetened with a balanced mix of white and brown sugar, this sauce offers a perfect tangy-sweet complement to roasted turkey or ham. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it can be made ahead and served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (12 oz.) packages of fresh cranberries
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 3/4 cup water
- Zest of one orange, plus extra for garnish
- 1–3 tablespoons bourbon (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cranberries, white sugar, brown sugar, fresh orange juice, water, orange zest, and bourbon into a medium saucepan.
- Cook the Sauce: Cook the mixture on medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid has reduced and the cranberries have mostly burst.
- Rest the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce rest for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cranberry sauce garnished with extra orange zest. You can also cover and refrigerate it for up to 1 week, reheating before serving if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the bourbon quantity based on your preference for alcohol flavor—start with 1 tablespoon and add up to 3 tablespoons for more intensity.
- This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; simply rewarm gently before serving.
- For a less sweet option, reduce the sugar amounts slightly.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry sauce, bourbon cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, orange cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving cranberry sauce, stovetop cranberry sauce
