Experience the zesty sweetness of Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce, where fresh cranberries meet bright orange and a hint of smooth bourbon.
This flavorful combination creates a perfectly balanced sauce with rich, tangy, and slightly boozy notes.
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it delivers a vibrant taste and appealing texture that will delight the senses and make any recipe feel special.
How To Make Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce?
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Yield: About 3 cups of sauce (serves 8-10, depending on portion size)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Zester or fine grater (for orange zest)
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Small bowl for zest/juice separation
- Storage container (if making ahead)
Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for warmth)
- Pinch of salt
- Garnishes: orange peel curls, fresh rosemary sprigs, chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Simmer the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Add the Bourbon
Once the cranberries start to burst, pour in the bourbon. Stir and let it cook for another 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
3. Adjust and Cool
Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed. Remove the cinnamon stick (if used). Allow the sauce to cool—it will thicken further as it rests.
4. Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with a curl of orange peel, a sprig of rosemary, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Serve warm or chilled alongside your holiday meal.
Nutrition Facts Of Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Calories: 170-220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
- Sugar: 30-40 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 g
- Protein: 0.5-1 g
Which goes best with Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce?
◈ Holiday Feast Side: Pair with roast turkey, chicken, or duck for a festive touch.
◈ Sandwich Spread: Use as a flavorful spread for leftover turkey or ham sandwiches.
◈ Cheese Board Accent: Serve alongside brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar.
◈ Glaze for Meats: Brush over pork chops, ham, or roasted salmon.
Tips and Variations
➔ Adjust Sweetness: Add more sugar or honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
➔ Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne gives a subtle heat.
➔ Citrus Twist: Swap orange juice with blood orange or tangerine juice.
➔ Bourbon Alternatives: Try brandy, rum, or skip alcohol for a family-friendly version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors even deepen over time.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Sure, Frozen cranberries work just as well—no need to thaw them first.
Can I make this cranberry sauce without bourbon?
Yes. Simply replace bourbon with apple cider, pomegranate juice, or more orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What can I use instead of granulated sugar?
You can use brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a richer, more complex sweetness.
Conclusion
Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce brings together bold citrus, tart cranberries, and a touch of bourbon for a vibrant, flavorful experience.
Simple to make yet rich in taste, this sauce is a delightful way to enjoy seasonal flavors and elevate any menu with its bright, irresistible character.
Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Zester or fine grater (for orange zest)
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Small bowl for zest/juice separation
- Storage container (if making ahead)
Ingredients
- 12 oz about 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves optional, for warmth
- Pinch of salt
- Garnishes: orange peel curls fresh rosemary sprigs, chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once the cranberries start to burst, pour in the bourbon. Stir and let it cook for another 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed. Remove the cinnamon stick (if used). Allow the sauce to cool—it will thicken further as it rests.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with a curl of orange peel, a sprig of rosemary, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Serve warm or chilled alongside your holiday meal.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.