This Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and tart. With a splash of Grand Marnier, it adds a festive twist to your holiday table!
Every bite is a tangy delight that makes turkey jealous! I love to serve it warm or chilled, and trust me, it pairs perfectly with all your favorite dishes. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this sauce, but frozen ones work just as well, especially if fresh isn’t available. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained if they’re frozen!
Grand Marnier: This orange liqueur gives a lovely flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute it with orange juice or a splash of orange extract mixed with a little more sugar!
Sugar: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Just remember to adjust the quantity to taste since these are sweeter than granulated sugar.
Orange Zest: The zest enhances the orange flavor, but if you don’t have oranges, you can use lemon zest for a different twist. It’ll still work nicely for a bright flavor!
How Do I Make a Thick and Flavorful Cranberry Sauce?
Making cranberry sauce is easy, but achieving the perfect consistency and flavor is key. Start by rinsing the berries and picking out any that are bad. This step ensures a clean sauce.
- Cook the cranberries with sugar and water over medium heat to allow them to burst and thicken the sauce.
- Stir occasionally and watch for the change in texture; it should bubble nicely and become syrupy.
- Don’t rush! Letting it simmer for about 10 minutes is essential for developing that deep flavor.
Finally, cooling the sauce allows it to thicken even more, making it perfect for serving. Enjoy creating this delightful addition to your holiday meals!
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Grand Marnier (orange-flavored liqueur)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional garnish)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce takes about 15-20 minutes of active cooking time. Once you’ve mixed it all together, let it cool, and it will be ready to serve! Perfect for adding that festive touch in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries in cold water, and take a moment to pick through them. Remove any stems, bad ones, or blemished berries, ensuring only the freshest make it into your sauce.
2. Make the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Place it over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. You’re looking for a gentle simmer, which will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Now, it’s time to add your cranberries! Toss them into the saucepan and bring it back up to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. After about 10 minutes, you’ll notice the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture start to thicken nicely.
4. Add Flavor:
Once the cranberries are bursting and the sauce is thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Pour in the Grand Marnier and stir in the orange zest. These additions will give your sauce that delicious, aromatic flavor!
5. Cool and Store:
Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a serving bowl or an airtight container. As it cools, it will thicken even further, making it the perfect consistency for serving.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to make it even prettier, garnish the sauce with a small sprig of fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of orange zest. Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes. Enjoy your festive creation!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using, and drain any excess water to ensure the sauce isn’t too watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Omit the Alcohol?
Yes, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can either omit the Grand Marnier and replace it with additional orange juice or a splash of orange extract. This will still give you that delicious citrus flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer your cranberry sauce less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar to taste. Start with 3/4 cup and adjust as needed when cooking. Keep in mind that the tartness of the cranberries will still shine through!
