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Cozy Bourbon Cranberry Sauce: Easy Homemade Holiday Side

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This quick and easy cranberry sauce features fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a splash of bourbon for a warm, smoky-sweet flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It comes together in under 20 minutes and tastes even better when made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice (from about 1 large orange)
  • 1 tablespoon (6 grams) orange zest
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon (such as Buffalo Trace or Bulleit)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Zest and juice the orange first. Wash the orange thoroughly. Using a microplane, grate the outer orange layer (avoid the white pith). You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of zest. Then cut the orange in half and squeeze out ½ cup of juice. Set both aside.
  2. Combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries (fresh or frozen), granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of water. Give it a quick stir.
  3. Add the orange juice and zest. Pour in the fresh orange juice and add the zest. Stir everything together.
  4. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Watch the pot carefully. Once it starts boiling, you’ll hear the cranberries begin to pop. It usually takes about 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally. You’ll see the cranberries soften and the liquid thicken into a syrupy consistency.
  6. Add the bourbon. After 10 minutes, pour in the bourbon. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it now.
  7. Check the consistency. The sauce will thicken more as it cools. It should coat the back of a spoon but still be slightly runny. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and cool. Take the pot off the stove. Let the sauce cool in the pan for 10 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it sits. If you used a cinnamon stick, remove it now.
  9. Taste and adjust. Give it a taste. Need more sweetness? Add a tablespoon of sugar. Want more orange? Add a pinch more zest.
  10. Transfer to a serving dish or jar. Pour the sauce into a bowl or glass jar. Let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It will keep for up to two weeks.

Notes

This sauce tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender for 5 seconds after cooking. Don’t skip the salt—it brightens the flavors. Use a good-quality bourbon you’d actually drink.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, bourbon cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday side, Thanksgiving cranberry sauce, easy cranberry sauce

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-bourbon-cranberry-sauce-easy-homemade-holiday-side/