Kentucky Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- Angela
- Nov 24, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries and a splash of Kentucky bourbon. Simple, cozy, and so easy to make.
If you’ve only ever had cranberry sauce from a can, just wait. This homemade Kentucky Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is bright, tangy, and has the prettiest color. It takes maybe 15 minutes, and that little splash of bourbon makes it taste like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant but without any extra work.
It’s amazing on turkey, of course, but my favorite way to eat the leftovers? Over vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Sounds strange, but trust me… it works. This is one of those sides that looks impressive but is ridiculously easy to make.
1
Angela’s Recipe Tips
* Fresh or frozen cranberries both work — no need to thaw.
* The sauce will look thin at first but thickens a lot as it cools. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
* For a stronger bourbon flavor, stir in an extra tablespoon after removing the sauce from the heat.
* If you like a smoother cranberry sauce, mash lightly with a spoon or blend half and stir it back in.
* Keeps in the fridge for up to a week and tastes even better the next day.
* And don’t laugh… but leftover cranberry sauce over vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon is secretly amazing.
Notes
1
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and salt.
2
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until most of the cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the bourbon and orange zest.
5
Let the sauce cool. It will continue to thicken as it sits. Serve warm or chilled.
Instructions
1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
¼ cup orange juice
2–3 Tbsp Kentucky bourbon
1 tsp orange zest
Pinch of salt
Kentucky Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Angela Schmidt
Homemade cranberry sauce with a Kentucky bourbon twist. Easy, bright, and perfect for the holidays.
Servings :
8 servings
Calories:
Prep Time
5 min
Cooking Time
12 min
Resting Time
0
Total Time
17 min
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