Bourbon Vanilla Cider Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This Bourbon Vanilla Cider Cranberry Sauce is a flavorful twist on the classic holiday condiment, blending fresh cranberries with bourbon, apple cider, and a whole vanilla bean for a rich and aromatic sauce perfect for festive meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
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Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 3 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 vanilla bean, split
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the fresh cranberries, sugar, bourbon, apple cider, and the split vanilla bean into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Cranberries: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cranberries break down and the sauce thickens.
- Cool and Thicken: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool, which will help it thicken even more.
- Serve with Vanilla Bean: Leave the vanilla bean in the sauce until serving to infuse extra vanilla flavor. Reheat gently as desired before serving. Store leftovers refrigerated for best freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor; frozen can be used but may affect thickness.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on your preference for sweetness.
- The bourbon adds depth, but you can substitute with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Keep the vanilla bean in the sauce while serving for enhanced aroma and taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; sauce can last up to one week.
