This easy Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is a simple and delicious sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and maple syrup.
Each fall, when the bags of little red cranberries begin appearing in the grocery stores-- I get excited.
Cranberries aren't just an affordable berry-- they're an underappreciated berry. These tart little beauties are delicious on SO MANY THINGS.
They're amazing on buttery, rich foods that need a little "kick" of acidity or sweetness. I serve them with roasted acorn squash, add them to my oatmeal, and even swap cranberry sauce for the grapes in this seared salmon recipe.
And this particular cranberry sauce-- BOURBON cranberry sauce-- is a mixture of some of my favorite things ever. Bourbon, maple syrup, and lovely little cranberries.
When Are Cranberries in Season?
Cranberries are in season from mid-September to mid-November. You'll find them in the produce section packaged in bags.
The rest of the year, the only place you might find cranberries is in the freezer aisle with the frozen fruit.
Happily, fresh cranberries freeze beautifully. Simply toss the bagged cranberries from the produce section into your freezer, and they'll stay good for a year.
Want more FALL SIDE DISHES? Try these: Smoked Oyster Stuffing, Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic Cauliflower Mash
Can I Swap the Maple Syrup for Another Sweetener?
Yes! If you prefer, swap the maple syrup for brown sugar, raw sugar, or regular white sugar.
Can I Use Less Sweetener?
This recipe already uses considerably less sweetener than standard cranberry sauce recipes.
If you want to use less sweetener, and plan to serve the sauce cold-- keep in mind that cold foods taste less sweet than the same foods at room temperature. Be sure to taste for sweetness after your sauce cools.
I Ran Out of Bourbon. Can I Use a Different Liquor or Liqueur?
You can swap out the bourbon for any other unflavored whiskey.
Alternatively, swap it out for Grand Marnier, which is also used in this cranberry pear sauce.
Can I Make this Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Ahead of Time?
Most definitely! Check the recipe card for storage directions.
How to Make Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Start by adding the cranberries, juice, syrup, and some bourbon to a medium-sized pot.
Bring the liquids to a boil, and the berries will start to burst.
Simmer the sauce for about five minutes.
If you'd prefer your sauce to be a little stronger, add a little more bourbon.
Chill the sauce in the fridge for about two hours.
Taste the sauce and see if you want it sweeter. If you do, add more maple syrup.
Serve the sauce cool within two weeks, or freeze it for later!
Want more cocktail-inspired CRANBERRY SAUCE? Try this Mulled Wine Cranberry Sauce from Striped Spatula
Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (plus more to taste)
- ¼ cup bourbon, plus 1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
- Add cranberries, juice, syrup, and ¼ cup bourbon to a pot.Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the berries burst.
- Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly, taste, and add the remaining tablespoon of bourbon if desired.This sauce is somewhat less sweet than traditional cranberry sauces. Once the sauce cools, taste it, and add more maple syrup if desired.Store in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Notes
- Swap the bourbon for Grand Marnier
- Skip the bourbon (and don't replace it) for a traditional cranberry sauce
Melissa says
I love any and all cranberry sauces! We have to make at least 3 different varieties every year! Looks like we need to make 4 this year.
champagne-tastes says
Yay! Yes- Make it and then tell me about it 😀
terre berkland says
can this recipe be water bath canned?
I think this is a delicious sounding add in to my traditional Christmas baskets!!!!!
Sarah Trenalone says
Hi Terre! I've only tested this for storing in the refrigerator and freezer, I'm sorry! That said, if you figure out how to can other cranberry sauce, the technique should work for this recipe too. Sorry I couldn't help more!
Deana says
You can WB can this!! The flavors just get better!!
Alisha Trenalone says
Nice! Glad that worked out 😀
--Alisha at Champagne Tastes
Pamela says
how many days in advance can this be made?
Alisha Trenalone says
Hi Pamela! It keeps very well -- in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and even months in the freezer.
-Alisha at Champagne Tastes
Stefanie says
So how would you go about freezing this delicious bourbon cranberry sauce? I made it last week for your baked cranberry Brie recipe, and stored it in mason jars in fridge. But I definitely would like the freeze the extra. So container, jar; or freezer bag? And let me know if I can still add some sweetener to it now, cause it’s a bit too tart with just the 1/3 cup of maple syrup I used. Thanks!
Alisha Trenalone says
Hi Stefanie! You can freeze it in mason jars, just make sure to leave room for it to expand when frozen (1” minimum for a straight sided jar, or more for a jar with curved edges).
I find freezer bags to be the simplest option, because you can label them, lay them flat to freeze and then stack them, so they take up a lot less space!
And no, it’s not too late to add extra sweetener! Just stir it in before freezing. Hope this helps!
-Alisha at Champagne Tastes