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- 12 oz fresh cranberries - 1 cup orange juice - Zest of 1 orange Fresh ingredients play a key role in your sauce. I use 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, which is about three cups. These bright red berries give your sauce a vibrant color and tart taste. You also need one cup of fresh orange juice. It adds sweetness and a zesty kick. Don't forget the zest of one orange! The zest gives a lovely aroma and extra flavor. - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - 1 teaspoon allspice - Pinch of salt Sweeteners and spices bring depth to the sauce. I recommend one cup of brown sugar. Brown sugar melts well and gives a rich flavor. Then, add one tablespoon of cinnamon for warmth and spice. One teaspoon of allspice adds a hint of nutmeg and clove. A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To finish, I add one teaspoon of vanilla extract. This gives the sauce a smooth, sweet note. Vanilla enhances the overall taste and makes your sauce stand out. With these ingredients, you create a bold and flavorful cranberry sauce perfect for any meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse the fresh cranberries. Use cold water to wash them well. Look for any that are soft or wrinkled. Discard those bad ones. You want only firm, fresh cranberries for great flavor. Next, grab a medium-sized saucepan. Combine 1 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. This will create a sweet and tangy base for your sauce. Now it’s time to add spices. Stir in 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of allspice, and the zest of 1 orange. Let this mixture heat for about 2 minutes. This helps the spices release their rich flavors. Then, add your rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Allow the cranberries to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. To make the best bourbon cranberry sauce, stir frequently. This helps prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot. As the cranberries cook, watch for them to burst. This is key for getting the right texture. You want soft cranberries that still hold their shape. For a festive touch, serve the sauce in a nice bowl with mint on top. This adds color and freshness. Pair the sauce with roasted turkey or ham. It also works well on crostini for a great appetizer. Your guests will love this elegant presentation. If you don’t have orange juice, you can use apple juice instead. It gives a nice sweet flavor. For brown sugar, try using honey or maple syrup. These substitutes will still add the sweetness you need. Adjust the amounts based on your taste. Pro Tips Fresh is Best: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can be used, but they may alter the sauce's consistency. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sugar according to your preference. You can add more for a sweeter sauce or reduce it for a tart finish. Flavor Infusion: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider or a hint of ginger to the sauce while it simmers. Make Ahead: This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator. {{image_2}} You can give your bourbon cranberry sauce a bold twist by adding more spices. Nutmeg and ginger work well. Just a pinch of nutmeg adds warmth. A dash of ginger gives it a nice kick. You can also add dried fruits. Raisins or currants bring a sweet touch. They add texture and surprise to each bite. If you want a festive sauce without bourbon, you can skip it easily. Just add a bit more orange juice for depth. This keeps the sauce bright and fresh. You can also include a splash of vanilla extract. It brings out the sweetness and pairs well with cranberries. You don’t have to stick with orange juice only. Experiment with lemon or grapefruit juice. Lemon adds a nice tartness that brightens the flavor. Grapefruit juice gives it a unique, zesty kick. Both options can take your sauce to a new level. To store your bourbon cranberry sauce, cool it to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the sauce fresh and tasty. Make sure the lid is tight to block air. Place it in the fridge right away. Your bourbon cranberry sauce will stay fresh for about one week in the fridge. Keep an eye on it and check for any changes in smell or color. If it looks or smells off, it's best to toss it. Enjoy it over several meals for a tasty boost! You can freeze the sauce if you want to keep it longer. Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. Seal the container well. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also microwave it on low. Stir it well after thawing to mix the flavors back together. Enjoy your sauce later with ease! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first. Drain any excess liquid before you add them to the pot. This helps keep the sauce from becoming too watery. The flavor will still be bright, and you'll have a tasty sauce. Frozen cranberries may take a little longer to cook, so watch them closely. Bourbon cranberry sauce can last about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you notice any change in color or smell, it’s best to discard it. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion. Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a day or two. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or gently heat it on the stove. This makes it a great dish for holiday meals. This blog post covers how to make a delicious cranberry sauce. We looked at fresh ingredients, spices, and tips to enhance flavors. You also learned the step-by-step process and creative serving ideas. With simple swaps and storage tips, making it is easy. In the end, this cranberry sauce can elevate any meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and impress your guests!

Festive Bourbon Free Cranberry Sauce with Spiced Cinnamon

A delightful cranberry sauce with a hint of orange and warm spices, perfect for holiday meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 unit Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Discard any that are soft or wrinkled.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
  • Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, and orange zest. Continue to heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the cranberries to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve in a beautiful bowl with a sprig of fresh mint on top. Pairs well with roasted turkey or as a spread on crostini.
Keyword cranberry sauce, holiday recipe, sauce