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Perfect Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce: Best Easy Recipe

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This Perfect Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is the easiest, most delicious holiday side dish. It’s tart, sweet, and the bourbon adds a warm, comforting flavor that will have everyone scraping the bowl clean.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, water, and fresh orange juice. Stir gently until the mixture is combined and starts to simmer.
  2. Add the cinnamon stick, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and let it come to a gentle boil.
  3. Add the entire bag of cranberries to the pot and stir. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer (medium-low).
  4. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally every 2-3 minutes. The cranberries will start to pop and burst, and the sauce will thicken.
  5. Test for doneness: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you run your finger through the sauce on the spoon, it should leave a clean trail. If it’s too runny, simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick. Let the sauce cool in the pot for about 15 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  7. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold. If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or potato masher to break up remaining whole berries.

Notes

Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking for the best flavor. The sauce can be made 1-3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; flavors will meld and deepen. For a less sweet version, reduce maple syrup to 1/3 cup. For a spicy kick, add a halved jalapeño or fresh ginger while simmering. The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, maple bourbon cranberry sauce, easy cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving side dish, holiday recipe, homemade cranberry sauce

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