This Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce is loaded with tart and zesty flavor! Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and bourbon, this easy recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes.
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.
What Is Cranberry Sauce Made Of?
Traditionally, Cranberry sauce is made by combining sugar and water with fresh or frozen cranberries and cooking it down on the stovetop. 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 basic homemade recipes. Instead, we’ve made this delicious homemade cranberry sauce recipe. It’s made with bourbon, orange juice (fresh is best) and zest, sugar, 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!
How To Make Cranberry Sauce
- Add the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and bourbon to a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to burst and sauce begins to thicken about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from heat, the sauce will thicken as it cools. This recipe is best served at room temperature. So if you make it in advance, store in the refrigerator but let it sit out for a bit before serving.
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.
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.
How Long Does Cranberry Sauce Last?
If you want to make it ahead or for some crazy reason there’s some leftover, 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 or let it sit at room temperature for a bit. If it’s really thick after being chilled, add a little more orange juice to soften it up.
This super easy cranberry sauce goes great on leftover turkey sandwiches too!
More Delicious Cranberry Recipes:
- Cranberry Orange Scones – A classic breakfast pastry with tons of flavor!
- Cranberry Orange Mimosas – Perfect for holiday breakfasts!
- Easy Cranberry Cake – Made in a cast-iron skillet!
- Cranberry Orange Meatballs – An easy appetizer recipe!
- Cranberry Mojito Punch – Always a must for the holidays!
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Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup bourbon
Instructions
- 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.
Video
Notes
- Bourbon may be omitted, just add additional orange juice or cranberry juice.
Rebecca Hubbell says
Hi Danielle, I think there’s a typo in your question but I think you’re asking if you can can this? I have never tried and am not familiar with canning practices, but I’m sure there is a way to.
Danielle says
Oils I can this like regular cranberry sauce?
Rebecca Hubbell says
This recipe yields about 2 to 2.5 cups and each serving is around 1/4 cup.
Mary says
Hi! What is 1 serving? How many cups does your recipe make? I’ve read that a serving ranges from 1 tablespoon (15 ml) to a full cup (250 ml) Thanks!
Rebecca Hubbell says
I think the texture would be a bit much for serving with ice cream, but that’s just my personal preference.
Anne Robinson says
I belong to a gourmet 4 couple cooking club. Looking or a topping for turmeric ginger honey ice cream I’m making. I was looking for topping to add freshness, tartness, (cranberries and orange would provide) with a bit of savory, (Bourbon would fit that bill) to temper and balance the dessert, given the reviews indicated the ice cream was very sweet. I am adding a crispy gluten free waffle stick for texture and presentation.
My question is do you think this recipe would work as an ice cream topping? Any suggestions given I want to use it as a topping? I looked at the Cranberry Orange Bourbon syrup recipe listed but it had two cups of sugar!
Thank you for your time.
Janet says
Awesome!
Rebecca Hubbell says
Yes!