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This bourbon cranberry sauce is so easy, you’ll skip canned for good! The mix of bourbon and vanilla takes this classic from simple to special.
When Thanksgiving gets busy, canned cranberry sauce feels like the easy fix.
But with just 5 ingredients, homemade is actually pretty simple.
And the result? It’s definitely better than store-bought!
Bright, sweet, and fragrant with a bourbon kick, you’ll never look at cranberry sauce the same way again.
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Thanksgiving sides should be just as amazing as the mains. Keep our Thanksgiving gravy and stuffing recipes in your back pocket for the perfect holiday feast.
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- This vanilla bourbon cranberry sauce tastes complex and impressive, even though it only uses 5 ingredients!
- This bourbon cranberry sauce comes together in minutes and can easily be made ahead to fit a busy holiday schedule.
- Because this cranberry sauce recipe is so simple, you can easily customize it with different add-ins to give the staple holiday dish your own twist.
Ingredients
Fresh cranberries – The best cranberry sauce recipe starts with fresh cranberries. Choose firm, plump berries!
Sugar – Of course, you need a sweetener to balance the tartness of the berries. Brown sugar also works!
Water – For adjusting the consistency of the drunken cranberry sauce.
Bourbon whiskey – Adds a nice kick to the holiday staple.
Vanilla extract – Vanilla bean paste also works.
Ingredient Substitutions For Vanilla Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Frozen cranberries
You can use frozen cranberries in your bourbon infused cranberry sauce! Just rinse in a colander before use. You don’t need to thaw them completely.
Maple syrup
You can use your favorite sweetener in this fresh cranberry sauce recipe. I think maple syrup‘s caramel notes complement the sweet-tart cranberries nicely.
Vanilla bean
For a richer vanilla flavor, scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean into the bourbon cranberry sauce and toss the pod back in while the sauce simmers.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Stir Well
Make sure to stir your bourbon cranberry sauce constantly to dissolve the sugar and keep the sauce from getting grainy.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make this vanilla bourbon cranberry sauce up to 1 week in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Add-Ins to Try
Add complexity to this boozy cranberry sauce with mix-ins like orange juice (replace half of the water with it), orange zest for extra citrus flavor, chopped pecans for crunch, or cinnamon sticks for warmth.
Cranberry Sauce with Bourbon Recipe FAQs
Will homemade cranberry sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, your bourbon cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools. Make sure it simmers long enough for the excess liquid to cook off!
What is the best bourbon to use?
To make the best cranberry sauce with bourbon, choose one you’d happily sip on its own. You can’t go wrong with the sweet, smooth flavor of Maker’s Mark.
What alcohol can you put in cranberry sauce?
Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cranberry sauce recipe in advance. It keeps for up to 7 days in the fridge!
Can you freeze cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can freeze this cranberry dipping sauce. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes
- Thanksgiving Punch
- Turkey Charcuterie Board
- Pumpkin Roll
- Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
- Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
I found this recipe for Sweet and Sour Meatballs that I HAVE to try!
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Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the cranberries and sugar to the pan or pot.
- Pour in the water and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce to medium-low heat and cook at a low boil until the cranberries begin to burst, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to stir your bourbon cranberry sauce constantly to dissolve the sugar and keep the sauce from getting grainy.
- You can make this vanilla bourbon cranberry sauce up to 1 week in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Add complexity to this boozy cranberry sauce with mix-ins like orange juice (replace half of the water with it), orange zest for extra citrus flavor, chopped pecans for crunch, or cinnamon sticks for warmth.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
