This Ultimate Cranberry Sauce with the flavours of bourbon and maple syrup is sure to be a hit on your holiday table.
I always wondered what the big deal was in making homemade cranberry sauce. Canned sauce was all I ever knew, so one day I decided to make my own to see if there really is a difference. That was all it took…since that day many years ago I have NEVER bought cranberry sauce again. Homemade gravy is also a MUST, bought just does not cut it.
It really is a simple process and you can play with the flavours to create your special sauce. Everything from different alcohols, citrus flavours, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to different sweeteners like maple syrup and honey, create wonderful sauces that are sure to convert the canned sauce people to homemade…all it takes is 1 time!!
You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. I usually buy a few bags and put them in the freezer. This sauce is so wonderful that it can be used in many ways beyond turkey dinner.
I have played around with many different combinations over the years. All have been really good, but this Ultimate Cranberry Sauce is our favourite version. We just love the tartness of the cranberries, mixed with the vanilla hinted bourbon and the sweetness of the maple syrup.
I love using it for appetizers like featured in this post. Cranberry sauce is a great addition to any cheese platter. Here I used it to top tangy goat cheese. I also love using it in yogurt and it makes a wonderful addition to sandwiches….especially turkey or ham!!
Speaking of bourbon, have you tried my Boozy Bourbon Fudge? OMG, this is the BEST homemade gourmet fudge perfect for the holidays. I love taking this as a hostess gift and believe me they LOVE receiving it too.
If you haven’t ever made your own cranberry sauce, head into the kitchen and give it a try…..you will wonder how you ever managed without homemade before!!
If you are looking for another great appetizer try Fresh Tomato Bruschetta…it’s a great party pleaser too!!
Ultimate Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 oz bag of cranberries fresh or frozen 12 ., rinsed
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients (except cranberries) into a pot.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes making sure sugar dissolves.
- Add cranberries and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer till berries start to burst.
- Remove from heat.
- Press slightly with a fork.
- Place in bowl, cool and place in fridge till ready to use.
Notes
Marisa Franca
I do love a good homemade cranberry sauce. I’m always looking for new recipes that will give me the taste and texture that I crave. Now, that touch of bourbon will certainly kick it up a notch. I’ll be saving this recipe to make during the upcoming holidays.
Homemade & Yummy
I have never bought cranberry sauce again….this is our holiday tradition.
Veena Azmanov
I love a good cranberry sauce.. My mom use to make a good one., I still have her recipe but never made one.. I must try yours the next time.
Homemade & Yummy
I make this for the holidays every year.
Howie Fox
Oh dear!! It’s THAT easy to make such a delicious sauce?? I didn’t know!! 😀
Chef G
Yes it is really easy….and really good.
Ange
I love this and am saving to make for our Christmas table!
Chef G
Oh so glad you are going to try it…you will LOVE IT!!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender
You had me at Bourbon…. and then at Maple Syrup!! My husband would LOVE this cranberry sauce! Homemade cranberry sauce is SO MUCH more better than store bought too, and the Maple syrup would make it even better!
Chef G
We really love this one…I’m sure you will too!!
Lisa
Love cranberry sauce and this sounds and looks yummy. Pinned
Chef G
Thanks so much..it is so easy and so good!!
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat
Great cranberry sauce recipe! The addition of bourbon and maple syrup sounds amazing!
Chef G
It really is awesome…we love it!!
Kristy @ She Eats
Gloria! You are brilliant! I’d have never thought to use cranberry sauce as an appetizer. And with maple syrup?? AND bourbon?? I’m keeping you. hahaha 😉 Looks fabulous darling!
Chef G
Hahaha…you are a sweetie!! It is awesome as an app….I use it this way all the time!! Bourbon is awesome in this!!
Renee @ Renee Nicole's Kitchen
It’s amazing how much better 4 simple ingredients taste compared to something from a can. I like to add a little orange zest to mine.
Chef G
Yes orange zest is great too….and simple ingredients make wonderful things!!
Molly Kumar
The cranberry sauce looks super delicious and easy to make. Just in time for the holidays – thanks for sharing the recipe.
Chef G
Thanks Molly…we love this sauce!!
Jared Kovacs (thehesitantchef)
I love simple recipes! This looks delicious! It takes everything that is good and right about fall and puts it into a bowl. Nice work!
Chef G
Thanks Jared….it really is an awesome sauce and we use it in so many ways…in fact I am having some right now in my yogurt for lunch!!
Brie@toasterovenlove
What a fantastic simple recipe! I had the same experience the first time I made my own cranberry sauce, I couldn’t believe how much better homemade tastes. Thanks for the idea of using maple syrup, can’t wait to try it, fingers crossed it makes onto an appetizer before I just eat the whole bowl 😉
Chef G
I know it is SOOOOOO much better…and so easy to do. Hope you enjoy it….it totally devour it too!!