Ultimate Cranberry Sauce with the flavours of bourbon and maple syrup is sure to be a hit on your holiday table.
In under 15 minutes, with 5 ingredients, you can create fresh cranberry sauce. Once you try this, you will never buy canned again!
I love adding bourbon to recipes. Have you tried my Boozy Bourbon Fudge? A must on the holiday treat tray.
Caramelized Onion Jam also contains the pairing of bourbon and maple. The ultimate topping for burgers and more.
We all need some easy, stress-free recipes for the holidays. I have the perfect gravy recipe, easy roasted squash slices, and now this cranberry recipe too.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this gourmet cranberry sauce can be found at the bottom of this post.
This Cranberry Recipe Needs:
- Whole Cranberries
- Water
- Bourbon
- Sugar
- Maple Syrup
You will be amazed at how easy this whole cranberry recipe comes together. This is the perfect dish to take to a holiday potluck. It makes a great food gift.
It doesn’t only have to be eaten with turkey.
- Enjoy it with some brie and crackers.
- Add it to a sandwich.
- Use it to make muffins.
- Perfect on pancakes and waffles.
- Add it to your yogurt.
- Top your bagels, toast or scones.
Making The Ultimate Cranberry Sauce
This recipe comes together quickly. It can be made well in advance too.
Be sure to check the recipe card for the full instructions.
- Wash your whole berries and drain them in a sieve.
- Place all the ingredients (except the berries) in a pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add the cranberries, and simmer.
- When cooked, mash slightly.
The sauce is done! Cool and place in the fridge until ready to use.
Recipe Tips/Suggestions
Whole Cranberries are used in this recipe. They can be fresh or frozen. I always have bags of cranberries in the freezer.
Bourbon can be swapped out with rum, vodka, brandy, red wine or Grand Marnier.
Orange Juice is a great replacement to make this recipe without alcohol.
Sugar is easy to control, you can choose to use more or less. I do love a tart cranberry sauce.
Maple Syrup can be replaced with honey or agave nectar.
Do not overcook, as the sugar will start to caramelize and possibly burn. Once the berries start to burst, remove the pot from the heat.
FAQ
Yes, it sure does. Place it in a sealed container or freezer bag. It will last for several months. Note, the store-bought canned sauce does not freeze well.
Thaw in the fridge or defrost in the microwave.
This will last for 10-14 days in the fridge. There are lots of delicious ways to use the leftovers.
I promise, once you make cranberry sauce from scratch, you will be hooked. I have been making this for many years, and it is a holiday hit every year. With all the variations, you can make it just the way you like. ENJOY!
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More Holiday Recipes
Just in case you are in need of a few more recipes, here are a few suggestions:
- Red Lentil Tourtiere is a meatless verison of the French Canadian classic recipe.
- Turkey Veronique Meat Pie is pefect for brunch or a small holiday gathering.
- Turkey Wraps are the pefect place for leftover turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Christmas Morning Sandwiches have been a tradition in our house for decades.
- Holiday Granola is pefect as a food gift, especially stocking stuffers.
- Herb Roasted Turkey is presentation perfect.
- Holiday Croissants are great for brunch, or paired with a Rum and Eggnog Latte.
Ultimate Boozy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries 1 bag, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries.
- 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 potato masher or fork.
- Place in bowl, cool and place in fridge till ready to use.
Natalie
This sauce is fantastic. I served it yesterday with a turkey leg, and it was such a delicious addition to the dinner. I’ll definitely stop buying sauces in stores from now on. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I totally agree. Once I made this for the first time, I have never bought canned cranberry sauce again.
Naïby
Such a good idea to add bourbon in the cranberry sauce! It makes it more special than the usual sauce. Thanks for the inspiration.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, and you can’t buy cranberry sauce like this in the store. Bonus that it is super easy to make.
Nicole
I’m not a fan of canned cranberry sauce, but homemade is my weakness. The addition of the bourbon would be a huge hit with my family, and I’m dreaming of using this with some baked brie!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This homemade cranberry sauce would be perfect with baked brie. Happy Holidays.