Add a burst of festive flavour to your Thanksgiving table with Cranberry Orange Sauce! Tangy, sweet, and vibrant, it’s perfect on turkey, stuffing, or roasted vegetables like squash and Brussels sprouts. It also shines on sandwiches, sliders, appetizers or as a dipping sauce. For extra warmth and depth, stir in a pinch of ground chai spice and a splash of sweet orange liqueur. This cheerful, colourful condiment is a holiday must-have that brings flavour and festivity to every bite.
Festive Cranberry Orange Sauce
Festive Cranberry Orange SauceUpdated October 5th, 2025
INGREDIENTS
• ¾ cup of filtered water (1 cup if you prefer a softer sauce)
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• ¾ light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• A pinch of salt
• ½ teaspoon of Ground Chai Spice
• 4 cups of fresh cranberries or (* frozen cranberries see tips below)
OPTIONAL HERBS: 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
OPTIONAL SPIRITS: 1 – 2 tablespoons of Grand Mariner or sweet orange liqueur
HOW TO
1.In a medium-large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, maple syrup, salt, chai spice, and rosemary (if using). Bring to a boil.
2. Add the cranberries and return to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 10 – 12 minutes or until most of cranberries have popped open
4.. Remove from heat and stir in the orange liqueur if using. Return to the stove and simmer for an additional 2 -3 minutes or until desired consistency
5. Transfer cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
TIPS
• If using frozen cranberries use ½ – ¾ cup of water. You can always add a splash more water at the end if needed.
• In a time crunch? Put the sauce in the freezer (for up to 30 minutes) Stir well before serving.
• To make sauce ahead – Pour the cranberry sauce in a jar or container with a lid and store in the fridge for a week or freeze for up to 3 months
• Cranberry Orange Sauce is a versatile cooking and baking ingredient. Into pre-baked phyllo or puffed pastry cups add a slice of Brie cheese and top with a dollop of sauce to create a quick but oh-so-delicious appetizer!
