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Festive Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce

bourbon orange cranberry sauce - featured image
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This easy homemade cranberry sauce combines fresh cranberries, zesty orange, and a splash of bourbon for a festive, grown-up twist on a classic holiday side. It’s quick to make, bursting with sweet-tart flavor, and perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest from 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Extra orange zest, for garnish (optional)
  • Whole cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
  • Star anise or fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse cranberries under cool water and pick out any shriveled berries. Zest and juice one large orange.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, pinch of salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir to combine.
  3. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. When cranberries start to pop (about 4-5 minutes), reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
  4. Add bourbon and stir well. Simmer for another 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
  5. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. If too runny, simmer a few minutes longer. Sauce should be glossy and slightly chunky.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (if using). Taste and adjust sugar or citrus as needed.
  7. Transfer sauce to a serving bowl. Let cool at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
  8. Garnish with extra orange zest, cinnamon stick, or star anise before serving.

Notes

Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness before serving. Sauce thickens as it cools. Make ahead for deeper flavor. For alcohol-free, substitute bourbon with apple juice or extra orange juice. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Always check bourbon brand for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, bourbon, orange, Christmas, Thanksgiving, holiday, easy, homemade, festive, side dish

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/festive-bourbon-orange-cranberry-sauce-recipe-easy-homemade-christmas-delight/