Thanksgiving Cranberry Wine Sauce
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this irresistible Cranberry Wine Sauce, a sophisticated twist on the holiday classic. Made with fresh, vibrant cranberries simmered in dry red wine, this sauce balances sweet and tangy notes with festive spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. A hint of orange zest and juice adds a citrusy brightness, while its luscious texture—customizable to be chunky or smooth—pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, and hearty sides. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece that will impress your guests. Serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature for the perfect addition to your holiday table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.125 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.125 tsp sea salt
Instructions
Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and discard any that are bruised or soft.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the red wine, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and sea salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes.
Add the cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and burst. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the cranberries against the side of the pot for a chunkier texture. For a smoother sauce, use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve desired consistency.
Continue simmering the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to a serving dish or airtight container.
Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your Thanksgiving spread. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1129 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.6 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 309 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 250.8 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 217.6 g | ||
| Protein | 1.8 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 55 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 609 mg | 13% | |
*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.
