This festive and flavorful orange bourbon cranberry sauce is an elegant twist to a classic holiday dish. The marriage of tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and earthy bourbon brings a sophisticated palate to your dinner table. It's the perfect accompaniment to your holiday turkey or dressings.
Photos of Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe
The unique ingredient in this recipe is bourbon. It's a type of American whiskey that brings a deep and smoky flavor to dishes. You'll find it in the liquor aisle of any supermarket. If it's not a staple in your home, you might consider getting a mini bottle, as only a small amount is used for this recipe.
Ingredients for the Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries: These are tart fruits that are often used in sauces and desserts. Their tangy flavor balances out the sweetness from the sugars and the robustness of the bourbon.
White sugar: This is used to sweeten the sauce.
Brown sugar: This adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness to the sauce.
Orange juice: This adds a bright citrusy flavor to the sauce.
Water: Used to dilute the sauce to the right consistency.
Orange zest: This imparts a fragrant and zesty flavor to the sauce.
Bourbon: This adds a smoky and earthy flavor to the sauce.
One reader, Cull Lavoie says:
This orange bourbon cranberry sauce recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of bourbon creates a delightful twist on traditional cranberry sauce. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their holiday meals. I highly recommend it!
Key Techniques for Crafting Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
How to prepare the cranberry sauce: Combine the cranberries, white sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, and bourbon in a medium saucepan.
How to cook the cranberry sauce: Cook the mixture on medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has reduced, stirring occasionally.
How to check for doneness: Once most of the cranberries have popped, remove the sauce from the heat and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
How to serve: Garnish the cranberry sauce with extra orange zest and serve it over turkey.
How To Make Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Add a kick to your Thanksgiving spread with this bourbon-infused cranberry sauce! It also has the zesty punch of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 24ozcranberries
- ⅔cupwhite sugar
- 1⅓cupsbrown sugar
- ¾cuporange juice,freshly squeezed
- ¾cupwater
- orange zest,from 1 orange, plus extra for garnish
- 3tbspbourbon,to taste
Instructions
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Place the cranberries, white sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, and bourbon in a medium saucepan.
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Cook on medium-high for 15 to 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has reduced, stirring occasionally.
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Once most of the cranberries have popped, remove from heat, then let rest for at least 15 minutes.
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Serve garnished with extra orange zest over turkeys, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 437.90kcal
- Fat: 0.31g
- Saturated Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.11g
- Carbohydrates: 106.34g
- Fiber: 7.92g
- Sugar: 90.95g
- Protein: 1.05g
- Sodium: 19.51mg
- Calcium: 60.51mg
- Potassium: 302.64mg
- Iron: 0.88mg
- Vitamin A: 9.75µg
- Vitamin C: 45.87mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Cranberry Sauce
To ensure your cranberry sauce has the perfect consistency, keep a close eye on it as it simmers. The cranberries will start to burst and release their pectin, which helps to thicken the sauce. If you find your sauce is too thin, simply continue cooking it on low heat until it reaches your desired thickness. Conversely, if it's too thick, add a bit more orange juice or water to thin it out. Remember, the sauce will also thicken as it cools.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cranberry Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and blenders to speed up prep work and cooking tasks.
Time-saving ingredients: Incorporate pre-prepped or canned ingredients like pre-chopped vegetables or canned beans to cut down on prep time.
Substitute Ingredients For Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe
cranberries - Substitute with blueberries: Blueberries can provide a similar tartness and sweetness to the dish, while adding a unique flavor profile.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the cranberry sauce.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberries.
orange juice - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice can provide a similar level of acidity and sweetness to the dish.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the cranberry sauce.
bourbon - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can add a warm, aromatic flavor to the cranberry sauce, enhancing its overall complexity.
Presenting Your Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Elevate with garnish: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the cranberry sauce with fresh orange zest for a pop of color and citrus aroma.
Artful plating: Present the cranberry sauce in a delicate crystal dish to showcase its vibrant color and luxurious texture.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Pair the cranberry sauce with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a dusting of edible gold leaf to evoke a sense of seasonal elegance.
Enhance with texture: Serve the cranberry sauce in a crystal bowl atop a bed of crushed candied pecans for a delightful textural contrast.
Personalized presentation: Offer individual mini jars of cranberry sauce, each adorned with a custom monogrammed label, for a personalized touch that exudes luxury.
Elevate with glassware: Serve the cranberry sauce in crystal goblets to create a visually stunning presentation that complements its rich flavors.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cranberry Sauce
- Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Spoon: A spoon is a utensil consisting of a small shallow bowl, oval or round, at the end of a handle, used primarily for serving or eating food.
- Zester: A zester is a kitchen tool for removing the zest from citrus fruits. It is often used to create fine shavings of the outer skin of the fruit, which can be used to add flavor to dishes.
- Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to measure liquid or dry ingredients. They come in various sizes and are essential for accurate recipe preparation.
- Serving dish: A serving dish is a container used for serving food at the table. It can be made of various materials such as ceramic, glass, or metal.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Let the cranberry sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.
If you want to freeze the cranberry sauce, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
Frozen cranberry sauce can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator.
Once thawed, give the cranberry sauce a good stir to redistribute any separated liquid. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of orange juice or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Tip: Portion the cranberry sauce into smaller containers or freezer bags before freezing. This allows you to thaw only what you need for future meals, saving time and reducing waste.
How To Reheat Leftover Cranberry Sauce
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover cranberry sauce to a saucepan and reheat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and consistency of the sauce, ensuring it doesn't burn or become too thick.
Microwave method: place the cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it can cause it to splatter or become too hot.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the cranberry sauce to an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil. Heat the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method is ideal if you're reheating other leftovers simultaneously, such as turkey or stuffing.
Slow cooker method: transfer the cranberry sauce to a slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is perfect for keeping the sauce warm throughout a meal or party without requiring constant attention.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the cranberry sauce well to ensure even heating and to prevent any hot spots or cold patches. You can also add a splash of orange juice or bourbon to help thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
Interesting Trivia About Cranberry Sauce
The orange bourbon cranberry sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes. It can be served with turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream. The addition of bourbon adds a depth of flavor and complexity to the sauce, making it a unique and delicious addition to any meal.
Is Making Homemade Cranberry Sauce Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this orange bourbon cranberry sauce recipe is quite favorable. Cranberries and sugar are affordable, and the addition of orange juice and bourbon adds depth without breaking the bank. This versatile sauce can be used in various dishes, making it a worthwhile investment. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10, making it a budget-friendly addition to any meal.
Is Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
The orange bourbon cranberry sauce recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option due to its high sugar content. The recipe calls for a significant amount of both white and brown sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed in large quantities.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients:
- Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Orange juice and zest provide additional vitamin C and fiber
- Bourbon, in moderation, may offer some potential health benefits
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of white and brown sugar by half, allowing the natural sweetness of the cranberries and orange juice to shine through
- Replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, which offer additional nutrients and antioxidants
- Increase the proportion of cranberries to boost the fiber and antioxidant content
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought varieties, which may contain added sugars
- Experiment with adding other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which can enhance flavor without increasing calorie content
- Serve the cranberry sauce in moderation as a complement to a well-balanced meal that includes plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Cranberry Sauce Recipe
The orange bourbon cranberry sauce recipe is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and boozy flavors. The use of orange juice and zest adds a refreshing citrusy note, while the bourbon brings a warm, rich undertone to the sauce. The balance of white and brown sugars creates a perfect level of sweetness, complementing the tartness of the cranberries. This sauce is versatile and can be served with various dishes, adding a burst of flavor to your meal. Overall, it's a fantastic recipe that will elevate any dish it accompanies.
Enhance Your Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of brown sugar and orange juice. The addition of bourbon adds a warm, rich undertone, elevating the sauce to a new level of sophistication. The use of fresh orange zest enhances the citrusy aroma and brightens the overall profile. With careful attention to detail and a harmonious blend of ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable and delicious addition to any meal.
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