Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Bourbon Cranberry Sauce adds a delightful twist to the classic holiday condiment. With a warm hint of cinnamon and a splash of bourbon, it’s perfect for elevating your festive meals with a touch of cozy sophistication.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 24 ounces Fresh Cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 tablespoons Bourbon
Instructions
- Step 1: Dissolve the sugar by heating the water and sugar over medium heat until it reaches a rolling boil, about 1 minute, ensuring the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Step 2: Add three-quarters of the cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the boiling mixture. Let it simmer with gentle boiling for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and release their flavors.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the cranberries, keeping some whole for texture and flavor depth.
- Step 5: Stir in the remaining cranberries and cook for an additional 5 minutes over low heat.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract and bourbon to finish the sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with 2 tablespoons of orange juice or apple cider for a fruity twist.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup or sugar according to your taste preference.
- Try adding a small piece of orange zest while simmering for an extra citrus note.
Storage
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently on the stove or serve chilled, depending on your preference.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce actually tastes better when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld. Just store it in the fridge and stir before serving.
Is bourbon flavor strong in this sauce?
The bourbon adds a warm, subtle flavor without overpowering the cranberries. Cooking off the alcohol results in a smooth, rich taste perfect for the holidays.
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Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
Description
This Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is a flavorful twist on a classic holiday staple. Combining fresh cranberries with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a splash of bourbon, this sauce offers a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and a subtle kick. Ideal for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, it is easy to prepare on the stovetop and adds a vibrant splash of flavor to your meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 24 ounces Fresh Cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 tablespoons Bourbon
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar: Heat the water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture comes to a rolling boil, which should take about 1 minute.
- Simmer the cranberries: Add three quarters of the fresh cranberries into the boiling mixture along with the maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Maintain a gentle boil for an additional minute, then reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and infuse the sauce with their flavor.
- Blend some cranberries: Using an immersion blender, blend roughly half of the cranberries in the pot to create a thick sauce while leaving some berries whole for texture and depth.
- Add remaining cranberries and finish: Stir in the remaining cranberries and let them cook for another 5 minutes. Once done, remove the sauce from heat and mix in the vanilla extract and bourbon for final flavor enhancements.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or maple syrup to taste.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with an equivalent amount of additional vanilla extract or cranberry juice.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing; it thickens further as it cools.
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bourbon cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, Thanksgiving sauce, cranberry condiment, maple syrup cranberry sauce
