This fruity cranberry sauce gets a tasty twist from Grand Marnier. The sweet orange liqueur adds a lovely flavor that brightens up the tart berries!
I love serving this sauce during holiday meals. It’s perfect on turkey, and trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for that tart flavor. If they are out of season, you can use frozen cranberries. Just don’t thaw them before cooking—they’ll cook down just fine from frozen.
Grand Marnier: This orange liqueur adds a unique depth to the sauce. If you want an alcohol-free version, replace it with orange juice or a bit of orange extract to retain the citrus flavor.
Sugar: The granulated sugar balances the tartness of cranberries. For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amounts to taste since they are sweeter.
Orange Zest: Fresh zest enhances the citrus flavor beautifully. If you don’t have an orange, lemon zest could work as a substitute for a different citrus note.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Cranberry Sauce?
Preparing cranberry sauce can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! The first and most important step is rinsing the cranberries. This removes any debris and ensures you’re working with fresh berries. Picking out any bruised ones helps avoid bitter flavors.
- Start with medium heat to dissolve the sugar in water. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
- When the cranberries are added, bring the mixture to a gentle boil—this helps them burst and release their natural pectin, thickening the sauce.
- Simmer until most berries have burst, around 10 minutes is usually sufficient.
- Always cool the sauce completely before serving, as it thickens even more as it cools.
With these tips, your cranberry sauce will be a hit at any meal! Enjoy the process and the tasty result!
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 small sprig of fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry sauce takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus time to cool down completely at room temperature. It can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Take a moment to pick out any that are bruised or soft, ensuring your sauce will have that perfect tart flavor.
2. Make the Sugar Syrup:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Keep stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. This should only take a few minutes.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Next, add the rinsed cranberries to the sweetened water and bring it to a gentle boil. You’ll hear the cranberries start to pop—this is normal!
4. Simmer Away:
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally while you watch the magic happen—the cranberries will burst and the sauce will start to thicken!
5. Add Flavor:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, it’s time to stir in the Grand Marnier and the fragrant orange zest. If you want to brighten the flavor a bit more, you can add fresh lemon juice to taste!
6. Cool the Sauce:
Let the cranberry sauce cool completely at room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools, which is exactly what you want!
7. Serve with Style:
Transfer the sauce to a lovely serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary and some extra orange zest to make it pretty.
8. Enjoy!
This tangy cranberry sauce, enriched with the sweet flavor of Grand Marnier, is perfect for holiday meals. Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside turkey or chicken, or even use it as a delightfully unique spread on toast. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries! There’s no need to thaw them before cooking. Just add them directly to the saucepan with the sugar water, and they will cook down beautifully.
How Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
This sauce is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to two days in advance. Just let it cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll taste even better as the flavors meld together!
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving again to regain that fresh consistency!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with less sugar, taste, and gradually add more until it’s just right for you!
