This Cranberry Red Wine Sauce is a sweet and tangy treat, perfect for topping your holiday dishes. The combination of tart cranberries and rich red wine makes it simply delicious!
What I love about this sauce is how quick it is to make. It adds a splash of color and flavor to everything from turkey to desserts. You’ll be the star of the dinner table! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are perfect for this sauce as they have a tartness that balances the sweetness well. If you can’t find fresh, frozen cranberries work just fine. They’re often picked at peak ripeness and can be stored conveniently.
Red Wine: Use a dry red wine for a balanced flavor. If red wine isn’t available, try a splash of unsweetened grape juice or cranberry juice diluted with a bit of water for a non-alcoholic version. The key is to avoid sweet wines since they can make the sauce overly sugary.
Sugar: This recipe calls for granulated sugar, but feel free to use honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference; if the cranberries are especially tart, you might need more sugar.
Orange Juice & Peel: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch. If you don’t have oranges, lemon juice can add a zesty twist, though it will change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Achieve the Right Texture for My Sauce?
Getting the right consistency in your cranberry sauce is all about gently cooking the cranberries until they pop. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Start by cooking on medium heat. This helps the sugar dissolve quickly and mixes it well with the wine.
- Keep an eye on the mixture as it boils. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low to prevent burning.
- Stir occasionally, watching for cranberries to pop. This releases their juices, thickening the sauce beautifully.
- After simmering for 10-15 minutes, the sauce should be slightly thickened. It will continue to thicken as it cools!
Letting it cool also helps it develop flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup red wine (dry or semi-dry)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 strip orange peel (about 2 inches long)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Time Needed
This delightful sauce takes about 20-25 minutes total to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients and another 10-15 minutes simmering it to perfection.
Instructions
1. Start with the Wine and Sugar:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the red wine with the granulated sugar. Stir it together until the sugar has completely dissolved. It shouldn’t take long; just a few minutes will do!
2. Add the Cranberries and Flavors:
Next, toss in the cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, the strip of orange peel, the sprig of rosemary, optional ground cinnamon (if you want a warm spice note), and salt. It’ll start smelling amazing!
3. Bring to a Boil and Simmer:
Now, turn up the heat a little and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Make sure to stir occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce starts to thicken slightly. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove from Heat:
Once the sauce has thickened and the cranberries have burst, take the saucepan off the heat. Discard the rosemary sprig and the orange peel strip to keep the flavors nice and clear.
5. Cool and Serve:
Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes before serving. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools! You can serve it warm or at room temperature alongside turkey, chicken, pork, or for a sweet addition to desserts.
This rich, deep-red sauce will surely impress with its vibrant flavors. The combination of tart cranberries, aromatic rosemary, and zesty orange will elevate your holiday meal or any special occasion. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just toss them straight into the saucepan without thawing. They’ll take a little longer to burst, but the flavor will be just as delightful!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar. Start with 1/2 cup and taste the sauce as it simmers. If it’s too tart, add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry red wine sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to use it again, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly.