Introduction
Get ready to impress your holiday guests with a delightful twist on a classic condiment. Boozy Bourbon Cranberry Sauce combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a warming kick of bourbon, transforming an ordinary side dish into a standout star of your holiday table. Perfectly sweet and tangy, this sauce is sure to elevate your festive feast and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
Directions
1. Let’s get things started by rinsing those cranberries under cold water. Ensure you remove any stems or not-so-pretty ones.
2. Grab a medium saucepan, add cranberries, sugar, water, and fresh orange juice. Mix it up with a sprinkle of orange zest for an aromatic touch!
3. Bring that mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then let it simmer. Watch those cranberries pop into a juicy extravaganza, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Feeling fancy? Stir in a dash of vanilla extract and pour in the bourbon. Simmer for another couple of minutes to let all the flavors settle in like an old friend.
5. Transfer your cranberry masterpiece into a serving bowl and let it cool. If you’re prepping in advance, this sauce can hang out in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Info: (Per Serving)
Calories: 100 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 0.5g
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 1mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Vitamin C: 6% DV
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Cranberries
Let’s get things started by rinsing those cranberries under cold water. Ensure you remove any stems or not-so-pretty ones.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Saucepan
Grab a medium saucepan, add cranberries, sugar, water, and fresh orange juice. Mix it up with a sprinkle of orange zest for an aromatic touch!
Step 3: Boil and Simmer
Bring that mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then let it simmer. Watch those cranberries pop into a juicy extravaganza, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Bourbon and Vanilla
Feeling fancy? Stir in a dash of vanilla extract and pour in the bourbon. Simmer for another couple of minutes to let all the flavors settle in like an old friend.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Transfer your cranberry masterpiece into a serving bowl and let it cool. If you’re prepping in advance, this sauce can hang out in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Storage
This cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this boozy cranberry sauce alongside turkey, ham, or as a festive condiment for sandwiches.
Bourbon Substitute
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon or replace it with additional orange juice for a zesty flavor.
Adjusting Sweetness
Taste the sauce before cooling. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a little more sugar to your liking.
Cook techniques
Rinsing Cranberries
Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water to remove any stems or spoiled berries, ensuring a clean base for your sauce.
Combining Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and fresh orange juice. Adding orange zest enhances the flavor profile with a fragrant aroma.
Boiling and Simmering
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes, during which the cranberries will burst and release their juices.
Incorporating Bourbon and Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon to the simmered cranberry mixture, allowing it to simmer for a couple more minutes to blend the flavors.
Cooling and Storing
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and let it cool. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days if prepared in advance.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, but they may require a longer cooking time as they are denser.
How can I make this sauce non-alcoholic?
You can substitute the bourbon with additional orange juice or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version of the sauce.
What can I serve this sauce with?
Boozy bourbon cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, pork, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake.
How long will this sauce last in the fridge?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made a few days in advance, making it a great option for holiday meal prep.
Conclusion
Boozy bourbon cranberry sauce is a festive addition to any holiday table, combining sweet, tart, and alcoholic flavors in a delightful way. Enjoy its unique taste and versatility!
