This Cranberry Red Wine Sauce is a tasty blend of tart cranberries and rich red wine. It’s perfect for brightening up meats and adding zing to your holiday dishes!
When I serve this sauce, it always gets compliments. Just a spoonful brings everything to life, and it makes me feel like a gourmet chef, even if I’m in my pajamas! 😄
Making it is simple too! I just simmer cranberries with red wine and a bit of sugar. It thickens up nicely and is great for drizzling over turkey or pork. Enjoy the festivity it brings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for their vibrant color and tartness. However, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just don’t thaw them before cooking to keep that juicy burst!
Red Wine: I like using Merlot for its smooth flavor. You could also choose Cabernet Sauvignon or even a fruity Pinot Noir. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with pomegranate juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Sugar: The granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead, but adjust the amount as these are sweeter.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh juice and zest add a bright, citrusy note. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice works too, though fresh really elevates the flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Cranberries Are Cooked Just Right?
Cooking the cranberries properly is key to achieving the right texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with rinsing and sorting the cranberries. Discard any that look soft or shriveled.
- Simmer the mixture gently, watching for cranberries to pop. This releases their flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and keep the heat low to avoid burning.
Letting the sauce cool gives it a perfect consistency. It should be thick and somewhat jelly-like when cooled. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature with your favorite roasted meats!
How to Make Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (plus more for garnish)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sauce requires about 10 minutes for preparation and an additional 20 minutes of cooking time, making the total time around 30 minutes. Enjoy a delightful, fruity sauce that will elevate your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries thoroughly in cold water. Discard any soft or damaged berries to ensure your sauce is fresh and vibrant.
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and rosemary sprig. Turn the heat to medium and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer.
3. Add the Cranberries:
Once the base is simmering, add the rinsed cranberries. Bring the mixture back up to a simmer.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Lower the heat to low and cook the sauce for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice that most cranberries will pop, releasing their wonderful juices and thickening the sauce.
5. Final Touches:
After cooking, carefully remove the cinnamon stick and the rosemary sprig from the sauce. Add a pinch of salt and stir everything together to enhance the flavors.
6. Cool and Serve:
Allow the sauce to cool slightly; it will thicken more as it cools. If you like, garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary for a lovely presentation. This sauce can be served warm or at room temperature.
7. Enjoy!
This festive and tangy cranberry red wine sauce pairs beautifully with roasted meats, particularly turkey and pork. It adds a rich, fruity depth and warmth to your dishes. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Wine for This Sauce?
Absolutely! While Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are great choices, you can also use a Pinot Noir for a lighter flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, substitute with pomegranate or cranberry juice for a similar tartness.
How Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Is It Possible to Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare this cranberry red wine sauce a day or two in advance. It actually benefits from sitting in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just give it a quick stir and reheat gently before serving.
What Should I Serve This Sauce With?
This sauce is fantastic with roasted meats like turkey, pork, or chicken. It also pairs beautifully with cheese and charcuterie boards, or even drizzled over desserts like cheesecake or ice cream for an extra touch of flavor!
