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Boozy Cranberry Sauce

A tart, warm, and lightly sweet homemade cranberry sauce with a touch of bourbon, perfect for elevating your holiday dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 cup sugar, plus more to taste Adjust to preference
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh if possible Fresh is preferred for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons bourbon, to taste Add off the heat for a lighter alcohol taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
Optional Flavor Enhancements
  • 1 pinch cinnamon Optional
  • 1 pinch cloves Optional
  • 1 small strip orange peel Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add water, orange juice, and sugar to a small saucepan.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Stir in the rinsed cranberries, orange zest, and a tiny pinch of salt.
Cooking
  1. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  2. Off the heat, stir in vanilla and bourbon.
  3. Taste and adjust sugar or citrus according to your preference.
Cooling
  1. Let the sauce cool to thicken further, then chill until ready to serve.

Notes

This sauce tastes even better the next day as flavors settle in. Great with a variety of dishes from turkey to desserts.