Elevate your holiday table with Cranberry Cointreau Sauce—a zesty twist on a classic favorite.
This vibrant sauce blends tart cranberries with the citrusy warmth of Cointreau, a French orange liqueur, creating a rich depth of flavor.
Unlike traditional versions, this recipe adds a touch of sophistication and aromatic complexity.
It’s quick to prepare and perfect for making ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Whether served with turkey or over creamy brie, it’s an unforgettable festive accompaniment.
How To Make Cranberry Cointreau Sauce?
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: Approximately 2½ cups (serves 8–10)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl or storage container
Ingredients
- 12 oz (1 bag) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Simmer the Base
Combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to burst (about 10 minutes).
2. Spice It Up
Stir in red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Add the Kick
Reduce heat to low and pour in the Cointreau. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 more minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off slightly, leaving a rich citrus essence behind.
4. Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm or chilled.
Nutritious Facts Of Cranberry Cointreau Sauce
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 3.5 mg
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Sugars: 22 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
Serving Suggestions
❖ Holiday Meals: A perfect accompaniment to roast turkey, ham, or chicken.
❖ Sandwich Spread: Use as a flavorful spread for leftover turkey or chicken sandwiches.
❖ Cheese Boards: Pair with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a delightful appetizer.
❖ Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled pork chops or lamb for a sweet and spicy contrast.
Tips & Variations
✤ Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a nice pop and tartness, but frozen ones work just as well.
✤ Balance the Sweetness: Cointreau adds both citrus flavor and sweetness, so adjust sugar levels accordingly.
✤ Mixed Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries or raspberries (fresh or frozen) for added depth and sweetness.
✤ Herb-Infused Sauce: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme during simmering, then remove before serving for a savory edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Cointreau Sauce?
It’s a tangy and slightly sweet cranberry sauce made with fresh or frozen cranberries and flavored with Cointreau, an orange-flavored liqueur, for a citrusy twist.
Can I make this sauce without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the Cointreau with orange juice or orange zest if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Fresh or frozen cranberries are ideal, but you can use dried cranberries if you rehydrate them in orange juice or water before cooking.
How far in advance can I make Cranberry Cointreau Sauce?
You can make it up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Cranberry Cointreau Sauce?
Yes. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
Cranberry Cointreau Sauce isn’t just a side—it’s a conversation starter. Its bold citrus notes and jewel-toned hue add elegance to any meal.
Best enjoyed chilled or gently warmed, it also doubles as a vibrant topping for desserts or cheese boards, bringing versatility and gourmet flair to your holiday spread.
Cranberry Cointreau Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl or storage container
Ingredients
- 12 oz 1 bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- ⅓ cup brown sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup 60 ml Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to burst (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the Cointreau. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 more minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off slightly, leaving a rich citrus essence behind.
- Remove from heat. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm or chilled.
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.