This Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce recipe takes homemade cranberry sauce to the next level. This gourmet cranberry sauce is a delicious Thanksgiving side dish, with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. And it only takes 10 minutes to make!
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Cranberries and oranges are always delicious together. And this homemade cranberry sauce recipe with Grand Marnier is made with orange juice and then has an extra shot of orange from the orange liqueur.
Why Make it From Scratch?
- Making cranberry sauce from scratch is quick and easy (just 10 minutes).
- Your homemade sauce will taste so much fresher.
- Whether you like it tart or on the sweeter side, you can control the amount of sugar.
- You can make this Grand Marnier cranberry sauce up to a week ahead.
- Did you know, homemade cranberry sauce freezes well?
- Cranberry sauce is versatile. It's more than just a turkey dinner condiment! Use it as a glaze for ham, chicken, or BBQ turkey breast. It's a delicious addition to a Holiday Charcuterie Board, as a dip for Turkey & Feta Mini Quiche Appetizers and you can use cranberry sauce in recipes like Cranberry Date Squares , or Cranberry Coffee Cake.
Here's What You Need
- Cranberries Fresh Cranberries should be plump, firm to the touch, and a bright, shiny red colour.
- Orange juice If you use freshly squeezed orange juice, you can also use the orange zest for garnish. However, any pure unsweetened orange juice works fine, too.
- Brown Sugar Brown sugar adds a touch of extra flavour, but you can also use white sugar in the same amount.
- Cinnamon Stick If you don't have a cinnamon stick, use ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Grand Marnier You can also use Cointreau, triple sec, or any other orange liqueur instead.
How To Make It
- Put all ingredients in a saucepan over medium high heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the cranberries pop.
- Allow the sauce to cool, then transfer to a serving dish, or to a jar for storing in the fridge.
Recipe Tips
- When the cranberries start popping, they can cause some splatter. Use a deep sauce pan to make this cranberry sauce.
- If you like cranberry sauce on the sweeter side, you can add a couple of tablespoons more sugar.
- For a tart sauce, reduce the sugar by ยผ cup.
- Use a potato masher if you want a less chunky sauce.
- A longer simmering time will result in a thicker sauce. It will thicken as it cools
- Cranberry sauce is best served chilled, so put it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Recipe FAQs
You can store the homemade sauce in a jar with a lid for up to a week.
Yes you can freeze this recipe. Store it in an air tight, freezer safe container, bag, or jar for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. No need to thaw them, just give them a rinse.
More Thanksgiving Sides;
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Apples
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Sweet Potato Crunch
- Blueberry Sourdough Sausage Stuffing
- Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing
Recipe
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Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries
- ยพ cup brown sugar
- ยฝ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoon Grand Marnier liqueur
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium high heat
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. (The cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools). Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with orange zest.
Vijitha
We love this cranberry sauce for holiday meals! It's so versatile, I always keep some aside for my ham sandwiches. And the addition of Grand Marnier make it so festive!
Colleen
I'm so happy to hear this, Vijitha!
Aleta
Now this is taking cranberry sauce to the next level! I usually make my own, but nothing like this. I love the less sugar, cinnamon and of course the grand marnier!
Terri
THIS would definitely motivate me to make my own cranberry sauce!
Tammy
Oh! I would never have thought to try this but my goodness I don't think I'll make it any other way again! Such a perfect side for the holidays.
Colleen
I'm so happy to hear this, Tammy! Enjoy and happy holidays!
Silvia
I love cranberry sauce made from scratch and I'm always trying new recipes, this is a keeper. We usually have a bottle of Grand Manier liquor at home and this is a new way to use it. Love it.
Jacqueline Debono
I love cranberry sauce and use it throughout the year not just at Christmas. It's delicious with lamb, poultry, game birds and schnitzel!! Cranberries with orange is a delicious combo and adding Grand Marnier makes it special and festive!
Tristin
This is seriously some next level cranberry sauce! It is so unique with the addition of the Grand Marnier. Will be making this again at Christmas.
Colleen
Hi Tristin! The Grand Marnier really does take the sauce to the next level. I'm so happy you love it!
Dennis Littley
This was such a delicious addition to my cranberry sauce, the orange flavor was perfect!
Colleen
So happy you loved it, Dennis!
Jessica
There are so many cranberry sauce recipes on the internet but this one stands out because of the Grand Marnier. What a unique twist! Adding to our Christmas menu.
Colleen
Hi Jessica, I think you will love this cranberry sauce version! Merry Christmas!