Print

Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Cranberry Sauce: Easy Holiday Side

brown sugar bourbon cranberry sauce - featured image

A sophisticated and easy-to-make cranberry sauce featuring the warm depth of bourbon and rich brown sugar. This glossy, ruby-red condiment cuts through the richness of holiday meats with acidic brightness and complex flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) bourbon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or bad berries.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, and brown sugar. Stir gently to coat the berries.
  3. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries pop and the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for about 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the bourbon and salt until well combined.
  7. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and let cool to room temperature, allowing it to thicken further.

Notes

Do not add the bourbon while the pan is still on high heat, as the alcohol will evaporate too quickly. The sauce thickens as it cools; serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, bourbon recipe, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy recipe, gluten-free