Description

A bright, cozy cranberry sauce infused with orange, warm ginger, cinnamon, and a splash of Grand Marnier. It’s easy to make ahead and adds a vibrant, grown-up twist to any holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup water

12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through

Pinch of salt

1 cinnamon stick

1 piece of orange peel

1/2-1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (optional but highly recommended)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger OR 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine sugar, orange juice, and water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Add the cranberries, salt, cinnamon stick, orange peel, and ginger. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the cranberries have popped but a handful still remain whole for texture.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and Grand Marnier (if using).
Let cool for at least 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Remove orange peel and cinnamon stick before serving.

Notes

Adding a splash of Grand Marnier makes the sauce brighter and more aromatic without tasting boozy — it simply enhances the orange flavor.

Fresh ginger gives the sauce warmth and depth, balancing the tart berries. Ground ginger works in a pinch.

The sauce thickens significantly as it cools; if it becomes too thick, stir in a teaspoon or two of water or orange juice before serving.

Make this sauce up to 3 days ahead — the flavor improves after a night in the fridge.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American