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Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Orange bourbon cranberry sauce made with simmered cranberries that burst and thicken into a glossy spoonable texture. Bright orange zest and a split amount of bourbon add warmth, with a quick boil-to-simmer method for a smooth side.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries Use fresh cranberries for best burst and texture.
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar Packed brown sugar for deeper flavor.
  • 0.75 cup orange juice Fresh-squeezed or store-bought works.
  • 0.25 cup bourbon Divided—use some during cooking and stir more in at the end.
  • 1 tbsp orange zest Add after simmering for brighter aroma.
  • 1 count cinnamon stick Whole stick infuses as it simmers; removed before chilling.
  • 0.06 salt Pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Boil the base
  1. Combine brown sugar, orange juice, 2 tbsp bourbon, cinnamon stick, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and keep it at a steady boil for 1 minute so the sugar dissolves.
Simmer until berries burst
  1. Add the cranberries to the boiling mixture. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the sauce thickens and looks glossy.
Finish and chill
  1. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the remaining bourbon and orange zest for 30 seconds to distribute the citrus, then discard the cinnamon stick.
  2. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then chill before serving until set, about 1 hour or longer. Spoon into a serving bowl and serve cold.

Notes

Pro tip: Stir near the end of simmering to prevent scorching and to help the sauce thicken evenly. Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days; freeze for up to 2 months. For a lower-alcohol option, replace the bourbon with additional orange juice and a small splash of orange extract to keep the aroma balanced.