This Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce is loaded with tart and zesty flavor! Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and bourbon on the stove and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce
When it comes to Thanksgiving, most of us are pretty set on traditions, we believe in turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce because the day just isn’t the same without them. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take those classics and give them a fresh new twist to make them even tastier!
For the last few years, my family has skipped the standard canned cranberry side dish and opted for this delicious homemade version made with bourbon, orange juice (fresh is best) and zest, and fresh cranberries. It doesn’t take too long to make either and the difference between it and storebought it too good to pass up!
If you guys have been following along for a while, you know that cranberries are my favorite holiday flavor. I love pumpkin and apple and eggnog, but it’s the cranberries that truly suck me in this time of year. And when you add a touch of citrus, like in this Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce, it’s pretty much heaven in a bowl!
Orange and Cranberry are a perfect pair all on their own and one that transitions well from sweet to savory. These Cranberry Orange Meatballs are a major hit during the holidays with my family and these Cranberry Orange Shortbreads need to get in my mouth ASAP!
When you add bourbon to the mix, I prefer Jim Beam Black, you get a touch of caramel and warm oak that adds a nice smoothness to the zest and tartness of the cranberry and orange.
What Is Cranberry Sauce Made Of?
The most basic cranberry sauce consists of cranberries, sugar, and water until the berries pop and the mixture thickens. This recipe is made with orange juice and bourbon instead of water and I’ve added orange zest for even more flavor.
How Do You Cook Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce is made in a saucepan on the stove. The berries, liquid, and sugar are heated over medium heat until berries burst and mixture thickens.
How Long Does Cranberry Sauce Last?
If you want to make it ahead or for some crazy reason there’s some left over, homemade cranberry sauce can usually be stored in the fridge for 7 to 10 days. This means you can make it ahead of time for the holidays. Simply pop it in the microwave to heat it up, if it’s really thick after being chilled, add a little more orange juice to soften it up.
This Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce is loaded with tart and zesty flavor! Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and bourbon on the stove and ready in less than 30 minutes.
- 1 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup bourbon I prefer Jim Beam
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients together and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to burst and sauce begins to thicken, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Let cool before serving.
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Julia says
Cranberries are my favorite holiday flavor too! I love that you made it with bourbon, adding this to my Thanksgiving menu!!
Rebecca Hubbell says
I hope you enjoy it!
Trang says
Ohh this would be the perfect recipe to try and convert my husband over to the homemade cranberry sauce team. He still only eats the canned jelly cranberry, haha. But bourbon might just do the trick!
Rebecca Hubbell says
It’s the only cranberry sauce my husband will even touch, so I think it’s a great place to start for conversion 😉
theweissguy says
Modified: 2/3 cup sugar, Fresh squeezed juice (w/pulp), much more jest – almost half the zest of the orange(s). Best cranberry sauce I ever made!
Rebecca Hubbell says
So glad you enjoyed it, Happy Thanksgiving!
Cindy Parker says
Made this last night, added a little more bourbon to the berries and to my Glass!! topped the berries with orange zest. Wonderful. will definitely try again.
Rebecca Hubbell says
More Bourbon is always a win! Hope everyone enjoys it today!!!