Kentucky Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

If you've only ever had cranberry sauce from a can... just wait until you try homemade.

This Kentucky Bourbon Cranberry Sauce comes together in about 15 minutes with fresh cranberries, orange juice, a little brown sugar, and a splash of Kentucky bourbon. It's bright, sweet, just a little tart, and so much better than anything you'll find in a can.

It's a must-have on our Thanksgiving table, but honestly, I think the leftovers are even better. Spoon it over turkey sandwiches, swirl it into yogurt, or my favorite... warm it up and serve it over vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It sounds a little unexpected, but trust me... it's delicious.

If you're looking for an easy homemade cranberry sauce that feels just a little extra special, this is the recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 15 minutes.

• Made with fresh cranberries.

• Sweet, tart, and full of fresh flavor.

• A splash of Kentucky bourbon adds extra depth.

• Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or holiday dinners.

• Delicious on turkey sandwiches and even vanilla ice cream.

What You'll Need

• Medium saucepan

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

  
  

Ingredients

• 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries

• 1 cup orange juice

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of kosher salt

  
  

How to Make Kentucky Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

1. Combine the ingredients.

In a medium saucepan, combine:

• Fresh cranberries

• Orange juice

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Orange zest

• Pinch of salt

  
  

2. Simmer.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.

3. Add the bourbon.

Stir in the Kentucky bourbon and vanilla extract.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes.

4. Cool.

Remove from the heat.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Serve warm or chilled.

Make It Your Own

• Add a cinnamon stick while it simmers.

• Stir in chopped pecans before serving.

• Replace the bourbon with apple cider for an alcohol-free version.

• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves for extra holiday flavor.

  
  

What to Serve With Kentucky Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

This sauce is delicious with:

• Roast turkey

• Baked ham

• Roast chicken

• Turkey sandwiches

• Biscuits

• Vanilla ice cream

• Cheesecake

  
  

Storage & Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This cranberry sauce also freezes well for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it's even better after chilling overnight.

Can I leave out the bourbon?

Absolutely. Replace it with apple juice or orange juice if you prefer.

Does the alcohol cook off?

Most of the alcohol cooks off while the sauce simmers, leaving behind the rich bourbon flavor.

Complete the Meal

This cranberry sauce is delicious with so much more than turkey. Try serving it with these favorites.

• Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

• Honey Butter Roasted Carrots

• Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

• Roast Turkey

• Baked Ham

A Few Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that proves homemade really is worth the extra few minutes.

It's bright, fresh, and so much more flavorful than canned cranberry sauce. Every holiday, someone asks for the recipe, and there's never much left by the end of the meal.

And if you happen to have leftovers... don't forget to try them over vanilla ice cream. It might just become your favorite way to enjoy it.

Thanks for stopping by The Schmidt Table. I hope this recipe finds its way to your table soon.