This Cranberry Red Wine Sauce is a tasty treat for your meals! With bright cranberries and rich red wine, it adds a lovely flavor to your holiday dishes or any special dinner.
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! Just simmer the ingredients together, and you’ve got a delicious sauce that will impress your guests. Perfect for turkey or even drizzled on dessert!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the star of this sauce, providing a tart flavor that balances well with sweetness. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen cranberries work beautifully too—just make sure to thaw them first!
Red Wine: A dry Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for depth. If you’re avoiding alcohol, try substituting with grape juice or a non-alcoholic red wine for a similar taste.
Sugar: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your taste preference—go lighter if you prefer a more tart sauce. Honey or maple syrup can serve as alternatives, though they’ll alter the flavor slightly.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings brightness. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice can work but will be more tart. Just add a little zest for flavor!
Spices: Cinnamon adds warmth, while allspice gives it a holiday touch. Don’t have allspice? Nutmeg works too! Adjust the spices based on your flavor preference.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Doesn’t Turn Out Too Runny?
To get that perfect, thick cranberry sauce, pay attention to the simmering process. Most of the berries should burst while cooking, releasing natural pectin that helps thicken the sauce. Here’s how to achieve the right texture:
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after bringing it to a boil. A rolling boil can make it too runny.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, which helps even cooking and avoids lumps in the sauce.
- Cook until most berries have burst and the mixture looks thicker. If it doesn’t thicken enough, simmer a bit longer!
- If you want it thicker still, consider adding a tiny bit of cornstarch mixed with water at the end, and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Remember, it will thicken further as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose right off the heat!
Cranberry Red Wine Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup red wine (such as a dry Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice or cloves (optional)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, to add depth)
- 1 small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Time Estimate
You’ll need about 20-25 minutes total for this recipe. This includes about 5-10 minutes for prep and 10-15 minutes of cooking time. It’s quick and simple, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cool water. While you’re doing this, pick out any stems or berries that are damaged. We want only the best for our delicious sauce!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. This helps create a lovely base for our sauce.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer—this will allow the cranberries to cook evenly.
4. Add Spices:
Now, stir in your ground cinnamon and add the allspice or cloves if you’re using them. This is where the warm, cozy aromas start to fill your kitchen!
5. Simmer:
Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. You’ll notice most of the cranberries will pop, and the sauce will start to thicken. You can adjust the cooking time if you prefer a thinner or thicker sauce.
6. Enhance the Flavor:
If you like, stir in the balsamic vinegar at this point. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and tartness beautifully!
7. Cool the Sauce:
After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. As it cools, it will continue to thicken, so don’t worry if it seems a little loose right away!
8. Serve:
Transfer the sauce to a nice serving bowl. You can garnish it with a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary if you like. It looks pretty and adds a lovely aroma!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your Cranberry Red Wine Sauce warm or at room temperature alongside roasted meats, especially turkey. It can also be a festive condiment for any special meal. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries For This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well—just remember to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cool water for a quick thaw. There’s no need to alter the cooking time!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar. Start with 1/2 cup and taste-test as it cooks—add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Remember that the tartness of the cranberries will influence the final flavor.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, stirring to ensure it warms evenly.
What Other Dishes Can I Serve This Sauce With?
This Cranberry Red Wine Sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also delicious drizzled over cream cheese as a festive appetizer, or even served alongside cheese platters for a sweet and savory treat.
