Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce ~

Tart cranberries with a generous splash of orange liqueur bring a festive twist on traditional cranberry sauce to the holiday table.

Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Thanksgiving Week is upon us, friends! Are you ready?

For me, Thanksgiving dinner prep starts on the Tuesday before, and the first order of business is always cranberry sauce. I put on my holiday apron, turn on my favorite Christmas music, and get the cranberries popping. It’s my go-to way to kick off Thanksgiving cooking.

This is the homemade cranberry sauce recipe I’ve made every year for the last five Thanksgivings, and I’m sticking with it again this year—why change a good thing? I like this recipe because it delivers the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors. A gourmet cranberry sauce in just a few simple steps.

Pro tip: While you can serve this sauce the same day, letting it sit in the fridge for a day or two really helps the flavors meld together.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ingredients for Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

You will need the following: 

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries, by weight

Ingredient Notes

• Granulated Sugar: White sugar is ideal for balancing the tartness of the cranberries, but for a deeper, caramel-like flavor, you could swap in brown sugar.
  

  Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice enhances the sauce with a bright, natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.

• Grand Marnier: This orange liqueur adds a rich, citrusy depth that elevates the sauce beyond the usual cranberry fare.

• Fresh Cranberries: Whole cranberries are essential for the best texture and flavor. Canned cranberry sauce just won’t give you the same vibrant, fresh taste.

How to Make Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

STEP ONE: Combine the ingredients. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, and liqueur. Stir frequently until the sugar is dissolved.

STEP TWO: Add the cranberries. Cook at a gentle boil, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries pop open.

STEP THREE: Let the sauce cool. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

STEP FOUR: Chill the sauce. Pour the sauce into a serving bowl and refrigerate overnight. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

STEP FIVE: Serve and enjoy. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Optional Add-Ins

Want to customize this easy homemade cranberry sauce? Try adding:

• Orange Zest – Stir in some freshly grated zest for extra citrus flavor.
• Cinnamon Stick – Add one while cooking for a warm, spiced note.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just add them straight from the freezer; no need to thaw first

• Can I make this sauce without alcohol? Absolutely! If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace the Grand Marnier with an equal amount of additional orange juice.

Storage

• Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Spread it on sandwiches or use it to make Cranberry Streusel Bars!

More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love!

• Cranberry Salsa
• Garlic Green Beans
• Cream Cheese and Olive Stuffed Celery
• Orange Cranberry Sauce
• Stovetop Brussels Sprouts

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 Updated September 4, 2024.