The Zesty Boozy Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe for Holidays

Whipping up a boozy bourbon cranberry sauce adds a spirited twist to traditional holiday condiments.

Festive gatherings deserve something special that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Complex flavors dance between tart berries and smooth whiskey notes.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this sauce brings unexpected excitement to your table.

Guests will marvel at the rich, deep undertones that complement classic roasted meats.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive recipe.

Prepare to impress everyone with a condiment that transforms ordinary meals into memorable experiences.

FAQs

• Why use bourbon in cranberry sauce?

Bourbon adds a rich, warm depth of flavor that complements the tartness of cranberries, creating a more complex and sophisticated sauce that elevates the traditional recipe.

• Can I substitute the bourbon with another alcohol?

You can use rum, brandy, or orange liqueur as alternatives, each bringing its own unique flavor profile to the cranberry sauce.

• Is this cranberry sauce kid-friendly?

Since the bourbon doesn’t fully cook out, this version is not recommended for children. For a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the bourbon or replace it with orange juice.

• How do I know when the cranberry sauce is done?

The sauce is ready when most cranberries have burst, the mixture has thickened, and it has a jam-like consistency with a deep, rich color.

Boozy Bourbon Cranberry Sauce with a Kick

• Customize with Flair: Boost your holiday spread with a gourmet twist by adding bourbon to classic cranberry sauce, transforming a traditional side into a sophisticated, adult-friendly condiment.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Choose between stovetop or oven methods, giving you flexibility to match your cooking style and kitchen setup without complicated techniques.
• Advance Meal Planning: Prepare this sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, reducing last-minute cooking stress during busy holiday gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Combine sweet cranberries, warm cinnamon, and rich bourbon to create a complex, memorable side dish that elevates any festive meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients to Make Boozy Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

• Cranberries: A tart and vibrant fruit that forms the base of this festive sauce.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners that balance the cranberries' tartness and create a rich, complex flavor profile.

• Cinnamon, Salt: Warm spice and flavor enhancer that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Bourbon: A rich, smooth whiskey that brings a sophisticated and warming note to the cranberry sauce.

How to Prepare Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Cranberry Burst

Toss fresh cranberries into a large saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Let the berries dance and pop naturally, stirring occasionally.

• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Continue cooking until most cranberries have transformed into a vibrant, bubbling mixture, around 15 minutes.

Step 2: Splash of Bourbon Magic

Pour in the bourbon and let it sizzle for a quick minute.

The alcohol will bring a warm, rich depth to your sauce. Remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and mellow.

Step 3: Serve and Store

You can serve the sauce warm right away or transfer to a storage container. This tangy, boozy cranberry sauce will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for advance holiday meal prep.

Alternative Oven Method:

Step 1: Cranberry Oven Roast

• Whole cranberries
• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Slow Bake and Stir

Bake for one hour, pulling the dish out twice to give a gentle stir. Once most cranberries have popped and softened, remove from the oven.

Step 3: Bourbon Finale

Stir in the bourbon, mixing thoroughly. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy your roasted cranberry creation.

Tips to Perfect Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

• Swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Reduce bourbon for a milder alcohol taste or replace with orange juice for a family-friendly version.
• Let the sauce cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture.
• Try additional spices like ground ginger or orange zest to enhance the cranberry's tartness.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.

Variations to Change Up Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

• Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace bourbon with orange juice or apple cider for a family-friendly cranberry sauce that keeps the rich flavor profile.
• Spiced Maple Alternative: Swap white and brown sugars with pure maple syrup and add ground ginger for a warm, woodsy cranberry sauce variation.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients except bourbon to a slow cooker, cook on low for 2-3 hours, then stir in bourbon at the end for a hands-off preparation technique.
• Citrus-Infused Edition: Incorporate fresh orange zest and a splash of Grand Marnier to enhance the cranberry sauce with bright, complex citrus undertones.

Pairings That Go Well With Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

• Drizzle this boozy cranberry sauce over perfectly roasted turkey for a festive flavor explosion that balances tangy fruit with rich bourbon warmth.
• Serve alongside aged cheddar, creamy brie, and blue cheese to complement the sauce's complex sweet-boozy profile and create a sophisticated appetizer spread.
• Mix a classic old fashioned or bourbon manhattan that echoes the recipe's bourbon notes, creating a harmonious drink and sauce experience that delights the palate.
• Swirl into vanilla bean ice cream or spread over warm pecan pie to transform the cranberry sauce into a decadent dessert topping with sophisticated adult flavors.

Storage Instructions for Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

• Refrigerate: Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick.
• Microwave Reheating: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

Boozy Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Boozy bourbon cranberry sauce elevates holiday tables with its rich, complex flavor profile. Tangy cranberries mingle with smooth bourbon, creating a sophisticated condiment that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 oz (680 g) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup (200 g) white sugar
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine cranberries in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, allowing them to gently simmer and naturally burst open.
2. Incorporate granulated and brown sugars, ground cinnamon, and salt into the simmering cranberries, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Continue cooking for approximately 15 minutes until most cranberries have popped and the mixture begins to thicken and reduce.
4. Pour bourbon into the cranberry mixture and cook for an additional minute, allowing the alcohol to integrate and enhance the sauce’s flavor profile.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and consistency to stabilize.
6. Serve warm immediately or transfer to a sealed container for refrigeration, which will keep the sauce fresh for up to one week.

Notes

• Choose fresh, plump cranberries with bright, deep red color for the most vibrant sauce.
• Replace bourbon with orange juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version that still adds depth of flavor.
• Adjust sugar levels based on personal preference or dietary needs, using alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Prepare the sauce up to a week in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop in the refrigerator for an even more intense taste experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Cocktails
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 140kcal
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg