Brandy-Infused Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Brandy Cranberry Sauce Recipe For a Crowd.

Impress your guests with this delightful Orange-Brandy homemade Cranberry Sauce, a delicious twist on traditional cranberry sauce.

See Top 10 Cranberry Sauce Varieties

Perfect for your holiday meal, this sauce offers a harmonious blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of brandy and orange. Enjoy a vibrant zing of flavor that complements your festive feast.

Fresh Cranberries are my choice to make this sauce, but frozen are ok also.

Why make this Orange-Brandy Cranberry Sauce?

  1. Unique flavor: The addition of brandy and orange zest sets this sauce apart from traditional recipes.
  2. Easy preparation: Minimal ingredients and no special tools are needed.
  3. Balanced taste: A delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and citrus flavors.

This recipe reduces your carbon footprint by using seasonal ingredients. Cranberries are in season from September through December in the United States. Opt for local and organic ingredients when possible to further reduce your environmental impact.

Orange-Brandy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Orange-Brandy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A Sauce Alternative for Thanksgiving
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Amercian
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

  • 12 oz cranberries fresh cranberries (frozen can be used if needed)
  • ¾ cup brandy
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ orange Zest and juice
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  • Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and set them aside to dry. Reserve 1/2 cup of cranberries to add later for added texture.
  • Zest and juice half of a fresh orange. Rinse the orange before zesting.
    Zesting Orange using a Box Grater
  • In a large pot, combine brandy, water, orange juice, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 5 minutes).
  • Add 11 1/2 ounces of cranberries (reserving the 1/2 ounce for later), cinnamon, and orange zest to the pot. Cook uncovered on medium-high heat until the cranberries burst, which takes about 10 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat, but keep the pot on the hot burner. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to further crush the cranberries until a thick sauce forms.
  • Add the reserved 1/2 ounce of cranberries and cover the pot. Leave it on the still-hot burner for about 5 minutes to soften the whole cranberries, adding texture to your sauce.
  • Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and allow it to cool before serving.

How to Store Brandy-Infused Cranberry Sauce

Storage and Leftovers: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three or more months.

The long shelf life makes this sauce ideal for prepping ahead of time. Use leftover sauce in a Cranberry Sauce Cosmo or a Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake.

Explore more exciting holiday side dishes in our list of Exciting Thanksgiving Recipes.

A Handy Table When Making Orange-Brandy Cranberry Sauce Recipe For A Crowd.

IngredientServes 12Serves 20Serves 25Serves 50
Fresh cranberries18 oz (510 g)30 oz (850 g)37.5 oz (1.06 kg)75 oz (2.12 kg)
Brandy1 1/8 cups (270 ml)1 7/8 cups (445 ml)2 3/8 cups (560 ml)4 3/4 cups (1.12 L)
Water3/8 cup (90 ml)5/8 cup (150 ml)3/4 cup (180 ml)1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
Granulated sugar*3/4 to 1 1/8 cups1 1/4 to 1 7/8 cups1 9/16 to 2 3/8 cups3 1/8 to 4 3/4 cups
Orange zest & juiceZest & juice of 1Zest & juice of 1.5Zest & juice of 2Zest & juice of 4
Ground cinnamon3/8 tsp5/8 tsp3/4 tsp1 1/2 tsp
A Scaled Orange-Brandy Cranberry Sauce Recipe for 8 – 50 People

*Adjust the granulated sugar quantity based on your taste preference for tartness or sweetness.

Keep in mind that these quantities are approximate and may require slight adjustments depending on your specific preferences and the size of the oranges used.

A Scaled Orange-Brandy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
A Scaled Orange-Brandy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

What Is the Thickening Agent for Cranberry Sauce

Pectin is a natural thickening agent found in fruits, including cranberries. When heated with sugar and water, pectin activates and thickens the sauce, giving it that perfect texture.

How Do You Get the Bitterness out Of Cranberry Sauce

One way to get rid of the bitterness is to add sugar or a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. The sweetness will balance out the tartness of the cranberries and create a more pleasant flavor.

Another trick is to add a pinch of salt. This may sound counterintuitive, but salt can actually help to neutralize bitterness and enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.

You can also try adding a bit of orange zest or juice. The citrus flavor will complement the cranberries and help to mask any bitterness.

Lastly, adding a splash of brandy or other alcohol can also help to mellow out the bitterness. Plus, it adds a delicious depth of flavor to the sauce!

How Popular Is Cranberry Sauce with Liquor

Here are the top 11 cranberry sauce recipes featuring various liquors for a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional sauce:

  1. Orange-Brandy Cranberry Sauce: Featuring brandy and fresh orange zest and juice for a sophisticated and zesty flavor.
  2. Bourbon Cranberry Sauce: Infuse your cranberry sauce with bourbon for a rich, warm, and slightly smoky taste.
  3. Rum-Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add dark rum and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a festive twist.
  4. Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce: Upgrade your sauce with the addition of Grand Marnier, an orange-flavored liqueur, for a citrusy and elegant touch.
  5. Port Wine Cranberry Sauce: Combine cranberries with port wine for a robust and fruity sauce that complements hearty holiday dishes.
  6. Amaretto Cranberry Sauce: Incorporate amaretto, an almond-flavored liqueur, for a sweet and nutty taste that pairs well with tart cranberries.
  7. Chambord Cranberry Sauce: Add Chambord, a raspberry-flavored liqueur, to your sauce for a delightful burst of berry flavor.
  8. Cointreau Cranberry Sauce: Enhance your cranberry sauce with Cointreau, a high-quality orange liqueur, for a bright and zesty kick.
  9. Kahlúa Cranberry Sauce: Mix Kahlúa, a coffee-flavored liqueur, into your sauce for a unique and rich coffee note.
  10. Red Wine Cranberry Sauce: Infuse your sauce with red wine for a deep, fruity flavor that pairs well with various holiday dishes.
  11. Champagne Cranberry Sauce: Add some sparkle to your cranberry sauce by incorporating champagne for a light and effervescent touch.

Experiment with these liquors and combinations to create a unique cranberry sauce that adds a special touch to your holiday meal. Remember to adjust the sweetness and tartness according to your personal preference.