This Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce is a festive twist on a classic! It combines tart cranberries with a splash of orange liqueur for a delicious sweet and tangy flavor.
The hint of orange lifts the sauce and makes it a perfect side for turkey or ham. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just simmer, stir, and serve. Your holiday table will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe, but frozen ones work well too. Just ensure they are thawed before cooking! If you’re in a pinch, you can use dried cranberries, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid as they don’t burst and thicken like fresh ones.
Grand Marnier: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a lovely depth to the sauce. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute with additional orange juice or even a bit of orange extract. It won’t be quite the same, but it can still be delicious!
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce, but you can use honey or maple syrup for a different twist. Keep in mind, these alternatives might alter the texture slightly, so adjust the amount to taste.
Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest brings brightness. If you don’t have a fresh orange, a teaspoon of bottled lemon juice can add some acidity and freshness in its place.
How Do I Get the Sauce to Thicken Just Right?
Thickening the cranberry sauce is key to achieve a perfect consistency. After the cranberries burst from cooking, adding the Grand Marnier and other flavorings creates a rich blend. To help thicken the sauce, follow these steps:
- Simmer the mixture gently after adding the liqueur for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce.
- Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature. It will naturally thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it’s a bit runny initially.
For an extra thick sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) during simmering, but make sure to stir well.
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
- 1 tsp orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme or rosemary sprig
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cranberry sauce takes about 15 minutes of active time to prepare and then requires some cooling time. Overall, you should allocate about 30 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and letting it cool down before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cool water. As you do this, look for any that might be squished or damaged and remove those. It’s important to have only the freshest cranberries for the best flavor!
2. Make the Sugar Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and it starts to simmer. This sugar syrup will help balance the tartness of the cranberries.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
When the sugar syrup is ready, carefully add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Cook the cranberries over medium heat while stirring occasionally. You will hear them start to pop, and they will soften within about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Flavorings:
Once most of the cranberries have burst open, it’s time to add the Grand Marnier, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together well to combine those delicious flavors!
5. Simmer for Thickness:
Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will not only help the flavors meld but also slightly thicken the sauce. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over!
6. Cool the Sauce:
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool down to room temperature. You’ll notice it thickens more as it cools. This cooling step is important to get the right texture.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you’d like, you can garnish it with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a beautiful presentation. Now you’re ready to serve this tangy and sweet sauce alongside your favorite holiday dishes!
This vibrant cranberry sauce beautifully blends the tartness of cranberries and the sweet citrus notes of Grand Marnier and orange zest, making it perfect for holiday meals and gatherings.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just ensure that they are thawed before using, and there’s no need to alter the ingredients or cooking time significantly.
What If I Don’t Have Grand Marnier?
No problem! If you don’t have Grand Marnier, you can replace it with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. For a similar depth of flavor, a splash of orange extract can also do the trick, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How to Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can add a little water or orange juice if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Just let it cool completely and store it in the fridge. Giving it a little stir before serving can help revive the flavors.
