This cranberry sauce is a festive delight, bursting with bright flavors. The splash of Grand Marnier adds a sweet and citrusy twist that makes it special for any holiday meal!
I love how easy it is to throw together. Just simmer the berries with sugar and the liqueur, and you get a colorful, tasty side. Trust me, it pairs perfectly with turkey! 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are crucial for that tartness. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries are a great substitute. Just don’t thaw them before cooking; they’ll hold their shape better this way!
Grand Marnier: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a special touch. If you want an alcohol-free version, try using orange juice or a splash of orange extract instead.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice elevates the flavor. However, you can use bottled juice if you’re in a pinch. Just opt for one without added sugars for the best taste.
Lemon Zest: It brightens the sauce nicely. If you don’t have lemons, a bit of lime zest works too. Just remember, zest adds flavor without the acidity of juice!
How Do I Get the Right Thickness for the Sauce?
The key to a perfect cranberry sauce is cooking it just right. Cooking it too little might leave it runny, while cooking it too long can make it too thick. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Simmer the sauce until most cranberries have burst, about 10 minutes. This will help thicken it.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, mash some of the cranberries with a fork while it’s still cooking.
- Remember that the sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little loose at first.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a lovely, thick cranberry sauce every time!
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier liqueur
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus cooling time. Once you simmer the ingredients, you’ll only need to wait about 30 minutes for the sauce to cool and thicken properly. In total, it’s around 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious addition to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries in cold water. Look through them carefully and remove any that are blemished or soft. You want only the good berries in your sauce!
2. Make the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a nice base for the cranberries.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cranberries to the saucepan. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. As it starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and watch as the cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add Flavors:
After the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the Grand Marnier liqueur, grated lemon zest, and ground cinnamon if you’re using it. This will add a lovely depth to the sauce!
5. Cooling Down:
Let the sauce cool at room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first.
6. Serve and Store:
Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or an airtight container. If you’re not serving it right away, you can refrigerate it until you’re ready. It tastes even better after chilling! Before serving, consider garnishing with extra lemon zest or a few whole cranberries for a pretty presentation.
This bright, tangy sauce with a splash of Grand Marnier is perfect alongside turkey or roasted meats at your holiday feast!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe. Just toss them in without thawing, as they will hold their shape better during cooking.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry sauce up to a week in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or even 1/3 cup. You can also balance out the tartness with a little more orange juice or Grand Marnier.
What Should I Serve With Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. It also makes a fantastic topping for cream cheese on crackers or bagels, perfect for a holiday spread!