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Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Orange bourbon cranberry sauce made by simmering fresh cranberries until they burst, then finishing with orange zest and bourbon for a glossy, thick texture. Bright orange juice and bourbon create a rich balance that clings to spoonfuls.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
chilling 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cranberry sauce
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries Use fresh cranberries for the best burst and thickening.
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed Packed brown sugar helps the sauce thicken.
  • 0.75 cup orange juice Fresh-squeezed or quality bottled orange juice works.
  • 0.25 cup bourbon Divided—2 tablespoons added during simmer, remainder stirred in off heat.
  • 1 tbsp orange zest Stir in after cooking for bright citrus aroma.
  • 1 cinnamon stick Adds warm spice—discard after cooking.
  • 0.0625 salt A pinch balances sweetness.

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Cook the cranberry base
  1. Combine brown sugar, orange juice, 2 tablespoons bourbon, cinnamon stick, and salt in a saucepan, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat with visible bubbling.
  2. Add fresh cranberries and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
Finish and chill
  1. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the remaining bourbon and the orange zest until fully combined and glossy.
  2. Discard the cinnamon stick after finishing the sauce.
  3. Cool to room temperature, then chill before serving so the sauce thickens further and slices or spoons cleanly.

Notes

Pro tip: simmer until the sauce visibly thickens and the cranberries have mostly burst—this is what gives the spoonable texture. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; freezing is possible for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir. For a lower-sugar option, replace brown sugar with a brown-sugar substitute measured 1:1 and simmer until thickened as directed.