• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Aimee Mars logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Blog » Archives » Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

    Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

    Published: Nov 8, 2019 · Modified: Oct 19, 2022 by Aimee Mars · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    cranberry sauce long pin

    Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is maple syrup sweetened cranberries simmered into a jam with a musky bourbon flavor. This decadent sauce is perfect to serve over roasted turkey, chicken, or pork and great for Thanksgiving.

    cranberry sauce in white bowl with orange peel

    Some of my other favorite Thanksgiving dishes include these brown butter mashed potatoes and these southern green beans.

    Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

    Cranberry sauce can easily get overlooked during the holidays especially with family members who love the distinct taste of the canned version. However, preparing this side dish sauce is simple. Below are several delicious suggestions for the leftover sauce. I suggest making a large batch to ensure leftovers are around.

    This Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce boasts a musky barrel-aged flavor from the bourbon. The taste, however, is sweet with the maple syrup and cinnamon sugar mixed in.

    boiling cranberries

    How to Make Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

    Some infamous Thanksgiving recipes can seem daunting, however, cranberry sauce is not one of them to be afraid of. Making a delicious homemade sauce far superior to the canned version is easy. Follow the guidelines below.

    1. Boil: Bring the water and sugar to a boil for 1 minute, until sugar dissolves. Add ¾ of the cranberries and maple syrup and cook 1 minute more.
    2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Let the cranberries burst.
    3. Blend: Use an immersion blender or traditional stand blender to blend about half of the cranberries into a sauce. Making sure to leave some berries whole. Add the remaining berries and simmer for 5 more minutes.
    4. Stir: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and bourbon.

    PRO TIP: To make a traditional cranberry sauce add all of the cranberries initially. Then blend the entire sauce mixture so no berries remain intact.

    cranberry sauce in a white bowl with spoon and orange peel on top

    PRO TIP: For a thicker sauce let the mixture continue to simmer until it reaches a thicker consistency.

    PRO TIP: For a stronger bourbon taste, just add more!

    sideview of cranberry sauce in a white bowl with spoon and orange peel

    What to do with Leftover Cranberry Sauce

    Enjoying the Thanksgiving leftovers the next day when all is calm and everyone has gone home is delightful. The food majestically tastes better the next day, especially if you change up the meal slightly.

    • Turkey and Cranberry Sauce Sandwiches: this classic sandwich has become almost as famous as the turkey itself. No explanation needed, just load up all your favorites from the day before between two slices of bread.
    • Cranberry Meatballs: This show-stopping appetizer is delicious and one your guests will love, even the ones who don’t favor cranberry sauce.
    • Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread: make some simple appetizers with the leftover cranberry sauce. Use this cranberry brie pull-apart bread recipe and then you’ll have plenty of room for pie.
    • Yogurt Parfaits with Cranberry Sauce: if you’re craving something slightly healthier make a parfait. Use vanilla yogurt, leftover cranberry sauce, and top with some cinnamon roasted pecans.
    Bourbon cranberry sauce in a bowl topped with orange peel.

    Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

    Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is maple syrup sweetened cranberries simmered into a jam with a musky bourbon flavor. This decadent sauce is perfect to serve over roasted turkey, chicken, or pork and great for Thanksgiving.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 16 minutes
    Total Time: 26 minutes
    Servings: 10 Servings
    Calories: 122kcal
    Author: Aimee Mars

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup Sugar
    • 1 cup Water
    • ¼ cup Maple Syrup
    • 24 ounces Fresh Cranberries
    • ⅛ teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 3 tablespoons Bourbon

    Instructions

    • Place the water and sugar in a large pot over medium heat and bring to a boil.
    • Add the maple syrup and ¾ of the cranberries to the pot and boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking for 10 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to burst.
    • Using an immersion blender or a stand blender, blend some of the cranberry sauce but leave some berries remaining. Add the last of the cranberries (as well as the blended cranberries if using a blender) to the pot and let simmer for 5 more minutes.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and bourbon. Let the sauce sit until cooled to room temperature before serving or storing.

    Notes

    For a more traditional cranberry sauce without whole cranberries included in the sauce add all of the cranberries to the boiling water.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AimeeMarsLiving or tag #AimeeMarsLiving!

    More ALL RECIPES

    • Spoon cold foam on top of iced coffee.
      How to Make Cold Foam
    • Glass filled with coffee ice cubes.
      Coffee Ice Cubes
    • Hazelnut syrup in a bottle with a spout.
      Hazelnut Syrup Recipe
    • Beer margarita with a salted rim and lime wedge.
      Beer Margarita

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About Aimee Mars

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Primary Sidebar

    Aimee Mars Bio Image

    In sharing my recipes filled with delicious and wholesome ingredients, I hope to connect with you. Let’s create some decadent meals to share with the ones we love. For more about my story and how this site got started visit the about page.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Christmas Recipes

    Rosemary simple syrup in a bottle with a spout.

    Rosemary Simple Syrup

    Raspberry champagne cocktails.

    Raspberry Champagne Cocktail

    Raspberry Moscow Mules in copper mugs.

    Raspberry Moscow Mule

    Party meatballs in a slow cooker.

    Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce

    Maple syrup pancakes topped with raspberries and more maple syrup.

    Maple Syrup Pancakes

    Million-dollar bacon wrapped in parchment.

    Million Dollar Bacon

    Aimee Mars featured in side bar image with logos.

    GET THE LATEST RECIPES AND VIDEO RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX

    Load up on recipes, meal plans, and prep tips + a FREE "Dinner Made Easy" eCookbook

    Top Posts

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • CONTACT ME
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • FIND RECIPES

    Copyright © 2023 Aimee Mars on the Seasoned Pro Theme