Add a touch of sophistication to your holiday spread with Sweet Red Cabernet Cranberry Sauce—a luxurious twist on the classic Thanksgiving side. This vibrant, tangy sauce combines tart fresh cranberries with the rich, fruity depth of Cabernet Sauvignon and a hint of citrusy brightness from freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. A dash of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract enhance the warm, aromatic profile, while the simmering process brings it all together into a beautifully thick, jam-like consistency. Perfect for pairing with roasted turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts, this quick and easy cranberry sauce, ready in just 25 minutes, is an elevated addition to any festive meal. Make it ahead of time for stress-free serving!
Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water, discarding any that are soft or bruised.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, Cabernet Sauvignon, and orange juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Once the cranberries begin to burst (about 5 minutes), lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the orange zest, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for an additional 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce will thicken as the cranberries break down further.
Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, if necessary, by adding a little more sugar. Stir well to combine.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken further to a jam-like consistency.
Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or an airtight container if making ahead. Refrigerate for up to a week before serving.
Serve the Sweet Red Cabernet Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature alongside roasted turkey, ham, or your favorite holiday dishes.
Calories |
864 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.6 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 153 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 202.7 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 170.8 g | ||
| Protein | 2.0 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 52 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 556 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.