This sweet and tangy cranberry red wine sauce is perfect for holidays or special dinners. It’s made with fresh cranberries, rich red wine, and a touch of sugar for flavor!
I love how this sauce brings a burst of color and taste to any meal. Pour it over turkey or even ice cream—yes, I went there! Your taste buds will thank you! 🍷
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are tart and full of flavor, but you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. They work just as well! Just remember to rinse them before using.
Red Wine: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are great choices for cooking. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with cranberry juice or grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you’re cutting sugar, try honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners instead.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice or even a splash of vinegar can work as alternatives.
Rosemary: This herb adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have it, thyme or sage can also complement the flavors nicely, or simply omit it if you prefer a more straightforward sauce.
How Do I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If you’re worried about getting the right sauce consistency, don’t stress! The key is to allow the cranberries to burst and cook long enough to thicken. Here are some tips:
- Simmer the sauce for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps break down the cranberries and releases their pectin, which thickens the sauce.
- If you find it’s not thickening enough to your liking, you can mash some of the cranberries with a fork to release more juices.
- For a super thick sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have a delicious cranberry red wine sauce that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy it warm or at room temperature beside your favorite dishes.
How to Make Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (240 ml) red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small sprig of fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish and infusion)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional, for brightness)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry red wine sauce takes about 25 minutes in total – just 5 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 20 minutes to cook it down to that lovely, thick texture. Perfect for getting your meal ready without taking too much time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Liquid Base:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and adding the red wine, water, and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. This step builds a lovely flavor base for your sauce!
2. Adding the Cranberries:
Next, toss in the fresh or frozen cranberries to the saucepan. If you’d like to amp up the flavor, feel free to add the sprig of rosemary and the orange zest at this point. It’ll give the sauce an extra burst of aroma and taste!
3. Simmering the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn down the heat to a simmer. Let this simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally as the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens up to a glossy, jam-like consistency.
4. Final Touches:
Once the sauce is thickened and the cranberries have burst, take it off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. It’s all about balancing those delicious tangy and sweet notes!
5. Serving the Sauce:
If you added rosemary, you can remove the sprig now. Pour the sauce into a serving bowl, and for an elegant touch, you can garnish it with a small sprig of rosemary if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.
This sweet and tangy cranberry red wine sauce works wonderfully next to roasted meats, like turkey or chicken, or even with cheese and dessert options. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them directly to the saucepan.
How Can I Adjust the Sugar Level?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup without compromising the flavor too much. Alternatively, you can use honey or maple syrup as a healthier sweetener, just adjust the quantity to taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry red wine sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! This sauce can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving to bring back the delicious flavors!
