This Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy twist on the classic. The bright flavors of orange and a splash of amaretto really make it special!
I love how it makes my turkey feel fancy without much effort. Plus, it’s the perfect sidekick for leftovers—if there are any left, that is! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe as they provide a tart flavor. If fresh ones are not available, you can use frozen cranberries—just keep them frozen until you’re ready to use them.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice makes a big difference in flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice can work, but fresh is always better. You can also use zest from other citrus like lemon or lime for a different twist.
Amaretto: Amaretto adds a lovely almond sweetness. If you need a non-alcoholic option, consider using almond extract (but use sparingly, as it’s stronger). For a different flavor profile, hazelnut liqueur is another choice.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is traditional here. For a healthier option, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but adjust to your taste as they are sweeter.
How Do I Ensure My Cranberries Cook Perfectly?
The key to perfectly cooked cranberries is patience! Begin by rinsing them well and removing any soft ones to avoid bitterness. In your saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, zest, and water, then bring it to a boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Once boiling, add the cranberries and return to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when they start bursting.
- After removing from heat, stir in the amaretto for that special flavor.
- Let it cool—this is when it thickens, so don’t skip this step!
Staying attentive during the cooking process ensures your sauce comes out perfectly thick and bursting with flavor. Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce with pride!
How to Make Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- Zest of 1 orange (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary or a small sprig for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll want to let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce will thicken as it cools. Overall, expect to spend about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you rinse, look for any soft or damaged cranberries and remove them. This ensures the best flavor and texture for your sauce!
2. Mixing the Base:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and water. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar completely dissolves and bring it to a boil. This will create a sweet, citrusy base for your sauce!
3. Cooking the Cranberries:
Once your mixture is bubbling, add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Let it return to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the cranberries for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of them start to burst. This is where all the flavors come together!
4. Adding the Special Touch:
After the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the amaretto liqueur to infuse it with that lovely almond flavor. Just imagine how delightful this will taste!
5. Cooling and Serving:
Let the sauce cool to room temperature—be patient! As it cools, it will thicken even more. Once cooled, transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with some extra orange zest and a sprig of rosemary if you like.
6. Enjoy!
This Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your holiday meals. Enjoy the beautiful balance of tart cranberries, sweet orange, and a splash of amaretto!
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you want a little slice of festivity. Enjoy! 🎉
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just keep them frozen until you’re ready to cook them. There’s no need to thaw them first; just toss them straight into the saucepan!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup. Keep in mind that cranberries are tart, so adjusting sugar will also alter the sauce’s balance. Taste it as you go to find your perfect level of sweetness!
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day! You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months—just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.
Can I Skip the Amaretto?
If you’d like to make a non-alcoholic version, you can skip the amaretto entirely or substitute it with a splash of almond extract—just use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, adding a bit of extra orange juice can still keep it flavorful!
