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 and zest, sugar, and fresh cranberries.
It doesn’t take too long to make either and the difference between it and storebought is 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.
When you add a touch of citrus, like in this 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.
Adding bourbon to the mix really changes the flavor profile. You’ll 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?
This homemade cranberry sauce can 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 still really thick after being chilled reheated, add a little more orange juice to soften it up.
This super easy cranberry sauce goes great on my Thanksgiving Crescent Ring recipe and 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.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Comments & Reviews
Lydia says
Delicious. I used OJ from concentrate to help cut down the tartness. I also threw in a cinnamon stick.
Dorinda L Pitton says
I used apple bourbon. Excellent!
Vicky says
Hey, Rebecca! I have Jameson Orange whisky in hand. Should I use this or make the bourbon purchase?
Rebecca Hubbell says
Orange flavored whiskey? Never tried it but it could be fun! Jameson and Bourbon do have different flavor profiles, you wouldn’t want to swap them in baking, but it may work for this recipe since Jameson and citrus (and usually cranberry) go quite well together. So I think it should be fine.
Marie says
I’ve substituted the sugar , cranberries and orange zest for more bourbon . It’s a winner !
Rebecca Hubbell says
I may make that version too 😉
Becca says
What type of sugar would you recommend to make this recipe vegan? TIA!
Rebecca Hubbell says
You can use sugar in the raw or an organic granulated sugar.
Danielle says
Oils I can this like regular cranberry sauce?
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.
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
This recipe yields about 2 to 2.5 cups and each serving is around 1/4 cup.
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.
Rebecca Hubbell says
I think the texture would be a bit much for serving with ice cream, but that’s just my personal preference.
Janet says
Awesome!
Ashley says
Can you make this the day before?
Rebecca Hubbell says
Yes!
Natalie says
Hand on bible, I’m sitting here looking up cranberry sauce recipes enjoying an old fashioned, and I happen upon this recipe?! Kismet!,
Rebecca Hubbell says
Guess you’ll have to make it 😉
Maddy says
Hi Rebecca thank you !! your simply Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce was awesome.
I made during Thanksgiving 2019. I enjoy cooking with wine, bourbon and rum
Keep up the good recipes. Maddy from AZ
Rebecca Hubbell says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Happy thanksgiving!
LadyVEE says
Can Dried Cranberries be used?
Rebecca Hubbell says
No, they cannot. You need the juice of the fresh cranberries to create the sauce.
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!!!
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!
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 😉
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!