What ingredients do I need to make Grand Marnier cranberry sauce?

To make Grand Marnier cranberry sauce, you will need fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and Grand Marnier liqueur. Optional ingredients include cinnamon for warmth, fresh orange zest to boost citrus flavor, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. These simple ingredients combine to create a tart yet sweet sauce with a hint of orange and a subtle alcoholic note from the Grand Marnier.

Can I prepare Grand Marnier cranberry sauce in advance and how should I store it?

Yes, you can prepare Grand Marnier cranberry sauce up to one week ahead. After cooking, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve after sitting for at least 24 hours. For longer storage, the sauce can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and stir well to restore the original texture.

How do I adjust the sweetness of Grand Marnier cranberry sauce if I want less sugar?

To reduce sugar while maintaining flavor, substitute part of the granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. These options add complexity without overpowering the tartness of cranberries. Alternatively, using half sugar and half a natural low-calorie sweetener like monk fruit or stevia allows for fewer calories without sacrificing sweetness.

What are good substitutes for Grand Marnier in cranberry sauce if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have Grand Marnier, you can substitute with other orange-flavored liqueurs such as Triple Sec or Cointreau for a similar citrus profile. For a non-liqueur option, a splash of fresh orange juice combined with a teaspoon of brandy or whiskey adds depth and warmth. Avoid using straight orange juice alone to keep the rich complexity.

How can I make Grand Marnier cranberry sauce thicker without losing flavor?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer on low heat after the cranberries burst, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As it cools, the sauce will naturally thicken further due to the pectin in cranberries. Avoid adding cornstarch or flour, which can alter texture and taste. If needed, increase the cranberry-to-liquid ratio at the start for a thicker result.

Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce Recipe With Citrus And Berries

Name: Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bags cranberries, fresh or frozen (12 ounces each); 1.5 cups cane sugar; ½ cup orange juice; 4 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur or brandy; 1 tablespoon zest of fresh orange

Description

🍊 Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce Recipe with Zesty Citrus and Fresh Berries offers a bright, flavorful twist on traditional cranberry sauce with a hint of orange liqueur.
🍒 This sauce balances tart cranberries with sweet citrus and a touch of brandy, making it a perfect accompaniment for holiday meals or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 bags cranberries, fresh or frozen (12 ounces each)

1.5 cups cane sugar

½ cup orange juice

4 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur or brandy

1 tablespoon zest of fresh orange

Instructions

1-First Step: Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 bags of cranberries (fresh or frozen, 12 ounces each), 1.5 cups of cane sugar, and ½ cup of orange juice. This initial mix sets the base for your Grand Marnier cranberry sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together. For dietary tweaks, use a low-sugar option here if you’re aiming for a lighter version.

2-Second Step: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce becomes syrupy and the berries start to burst. This step is crucial for developing the texture in your Grand Marnier cranberry sauce, and you can adjust the cooking time for thicker results if needed.

3-Third Step: Add 4 tablespoons of orange-flavored liqueur or brandy and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate these ingredients, which add that signature depth and zing. Continue simmering on low heat for another 10 minutes to let the flavors blend. If you’re making a variation, this is a good spot to include adaptations like adding cinnamon for extra warmth, keeping it versatile for different tastes.

4-Fourth Step: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. For the best results, garnish with freshly grated orange zest on top. This Grand Marnier cranberry sauce is ready in about 30 minutes total, with 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. It’s easy to adapt for vegan diets by choosing alcohol-free options or for low-calorie needs by reducing sugar earlier in the process.

5-Final Step: Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a serving dish and enjoy it with your meal. Stir well before serving to ensure even distribution of flavors. This step also allows for last-minute tweaks, like adding nuts for texture, making your Grand Marnier cranberry sauce even more customizable. Remember, the sauce thickens as it cools, so taste and adjust as necessary for your preferred consistency.

Notes

🍯 For thicker sauce, simmer longer after berries burst to reduce liquid; sauce firms up as it cools.
🍁 Substitute part of the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or natural sweeteners to adjust sweetness.
❄ Cranberry sauce can be made up to three days ahead or frozen for up to three months; thaw in refrigerator before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 352
Sugar: 82 grams
Sodium: 2 mg
Carbohydrates: 83 grams

Keywords: grand marnier cranberry sauce,citrus cranberry sauce,holiday cranberry sauce,zesty cranberry sauce