Tangy Honey Cranberry Sauce with Bourbon (Print Version)

Make vibrant Honey Cranberry Sauce with Bourbon for holidays. A simple, flavorful twist on classic cranberry sauce you'll love.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 12 oz (340g) fresh cranberries
02 - 1/2 cup (120ml) water

→ Sweeteners & Flavor

03 - 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
05 - 1 tsp orange zest

→ Optional Kick

06 - 2 tbsp bourbon

→ Finishing Touch

07 - Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First, grab a medium saucepan. Toss in your fresh cranberries, water, granulated sugar, and that lovely honey. Give it a gentle stir. I always love how the cranberries look like tiny red marbles, just waiting to burst with flavor. This is where I start to feel that holiday excitement, honestly, even if it's just a Tuesday in October!
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. You'll start to hear little pops as the cranberries begin to burst, releasing all their juicy goodness. This part always reminds me of a tiny, flavorful fireworks show in my kitchen. Don't walk away completely, because you don't want it to boil over – I've done that, and cleaning sticky cranberry off the stovetop is not my idea of fun.
03 - Once most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce starts to thicken slightly, take it off the heat. Now, stir in the orange zest and, of course, the bourbon. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is just incredible – warm, sweet, and a little bit boozy. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is combined.
04 - Let the Honey Cranberry Sauce with Bourbon cool down completely. As it cools, it will continue to thicken, becoming that perfect, spoonable consistency we all love. I usually just leave it on the counter for a while, letting those flavors meld. Patience is key here, even though it smells so good you'll want to dig in immediately!
05 - Once it's cool, give it a taste! This is your moment to shine. Does it need a tiny bit more honey? Maybe another whisper of bourbon for extra warmth? Trust your gut here. I've often added a little extra honey at this stage, especially if my cranberries were particularly tart. No shame in making it exactly how you like it!
06 - Transfer your beautiful Honey Cranberry Sauce with Bourbon to a serving dish. It's ready to be the star of your holiday table or a fantastic addition to your everyday meals. I love how the vibrant red color just pops, and that subtle sheen from the honey makes it look so inviting. You did it, friend!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh cranberries for the best texture; frozen just don't burst the same way.
02 - This sauce is even better the next day, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dish.
03 - No bourbon? Dark rum or brandy are great substitutes for a similar warm flavor.
04 - Serve it warm over baked brie for an unexpectedly delicious appetizer.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Medium saucepan
02 - whisk
03 - cutting board
04 - grater (for zest)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 0g

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