Spiced Brandy Cranberry Sauce is a daring take on a traditional favorite that will elevate your holiday feast.
For an opulent depth of taste, this rich, ruby-red condiment combines acidic cranberries with toasty spices and a dash of brandy.
It is well balanced between sweet and acidic, and it has a faint, lingering alcoholic warmth.
This festive sauce provides a gourmet touch that is timeless and soothing, whether it is spooned over sweets or served with roast turkey.
How To Make Spiced Brandy Cranberry Sauce?
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Yield: Approximately 2 cups (serves 8–10)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
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 brandy
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
2. Simmer and Stir
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
3. Add the Brandy
Stir in brandy and cook for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Cool and Serve
Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will continue to thicken. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritious Facts Of Spiced Brandy Cranberry Sauce
- Calories: 157
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
Serving Suggestions
❖ Holiday Roasts: Perfect alongside turkey, ham, or roast duck.
❖ Cheese Boards: Pair with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar.
❖ Sandwich Spread: Use in leftover turkey or ham sandwiches.
❖ Glaze or Marinade: Brush onto meats before roasting or grilling.
❖ Dessert Topping: Spoon over cheesecake, ice cream, or panna cotta.
Tips & Variations
✤ Make Ahead: Prepare up to a week in advance and refrigerate.
✤ Alcohol-Free Option: Swap brandy with orange juice or apple cider.
✤ Add Texture: Stir in chopped nuts or whole cranberries at the end.
✤ Spice It Up: Try adding cloves, nutmeg, or star anise.
✤ Sweeten Naturally: Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar.
The addition of brandy doesn’t just add alcohol; it deepens the flavor profile, introducing subtle oak and vanilla undertones that linger on the palate long after the first bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.
Can I freeze it?
Sure! Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
What kind of brandy should I use?
Any decent-quality brandy works—no need for top-shelf.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes, substitute brandy with orange juice, apple cider, or cranberry juice.
Is it served warm or cold?
It’s typically served chilled or at room temperature.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries are best but rehydrated dried cranberries can work in a pinch.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it will last 7–10 days in the refrigerator.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, apples, oranges, or pears make great additions.
What spices go well with it?
Cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and ginger are commonly used.
Conclusion
Spiced Brandy Cranberry Sauce brings elegance and warmth to any meal, turning a traditional side into a standout favorite.
Its rich flavor and festive flair make it more than just a condiment—it’s a conversation starter. Once you try it, your holiday table won’t feel complete without it.
Spiced Brandy Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
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 brandy
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Stir in brandy and cook for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will continue to thicken. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
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.