Fresh cranberries are combined with the flavors of orange to make this Boozy Cranberry Sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. And it is so easy to make with only six ingredients.
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving and Christmas staple in Canada. We don’t remember a holiday without it. We even make it for Easter dinner.
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Homemade vs Canned Cranberry Sauce
The taste difference between homemade and canned cranberries is distinctive. Homemade tastes better by far.
The amount of sugar added to the recipe can be adjusted for taste as well. We find that canned cranberries are much sweeter than the ones we make.
And there are no additives or preservatives in fresh cranberry sauce.
Ingredients For Boozy Cranberry Sauce
To make this easy cranberry sauce, you will need only six ingredients.
- Fresh cranberries. Pick through the cranberries and remove any that are bruised or damaged.
- Cranberry juice. 100% cranberry juice, not the cocktail variety.
- White sugar.
- Grand Marnier.
- Orange zest.
- Cinnamon stick.
Substitutions For This Recipe
If you prefer, water can be used in place of the cranberry juice. We like to use juice to get the full flavors of cranberry in the sauce.
A pinch or two of cinnamon can be added to the sauce instead of the cinnamon stick.
Orange juice can be added to replace the Grand Marnier in the recipe if a non-alcoholic version is preferred. Triple Sec can also be used.
Why Use Grand Marnier?
We use Grand Marnier because of the smooth flavor it adds. It also adds a hint of orange flavor to the cranberries.
If you prefer, Cointreau can be used in place of the Grand Marnier.
Serving Boozy Cranberry Sauce
This sauce is a staple for turkey dinner. It can be served on the side or top of turkey or ham.
Add this sauce to a toasted turkey and havarti sandwich for a delicious way to use leftovers.
Boozy cranberry sauce is also a great addition to muffins. Stir cranberry sauce into muffin batters or use it as a filling for muffins.
Top brie with this sauce before baking for a quick and easy appetizer. We do this with leftover sauce from Christmas dinner for our New Year’s Eve get-togethers.
Leftover cranberry sauce can also be used to make this Cranberry Mustard Dipping sauce.
Can Cranberry Sauce Be Made In Advance?
Yes, this sauce can be made in advance and we recommend it. The flavors will come together when the sauce is made at least 24 hours before serving.
This sauce can be made two or three days before serving and stored in the fridge in a covered container.
Storing Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce should be kept in the fridge until ready to use. Store it in a covered container to keep it fresh.
Freezing sauce is also an option. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw sauce in the fridge overnight before serving.
What did you think of this cranberry sauce recipe? We love hearing from people who have tried our recipes. Leave a comment below telling us if you like this recipe or prefer a recipe without alcohol. Your comments help us get found online which helps us to keep BBQ and Baking running.
Boozy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup cranberry juice, 100% juice, not cocktail
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup Grand Marnier
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Wash cranberries and remove any that are bruised or damaged.
- Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or container, removing the cinnamon stick and discarding.
- Allow to cool to room temperature before covering and place in the fridge until ready to use.
