Get ready to elevate your holiday gatherings with a delightful twist on a classic favorite—Mulled Wine Cranberry Sauce! This enchanting recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the warm, aromatic flavors of red wine, cinnamon, and orange zest, creating a sauce that’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat. Whether you're hosting a festive dinner or simply looking to impress your family with a gourmet touch, this easy-to-make sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves and discover how to create this irresistible accompaniment that will make your dishes shine!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Discard any that are soft or damaged, as these can affect the texture of your sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of red wine and 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan along with the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and the zest and juice of one orange. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently.
- Cook the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll notice the cranberries will start to burst and the sauce will thicken as it cooks.
- Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and whole cloves.
- Let the mulled wine cranberry sauce cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a serving dish or airtight container. The sauce can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- If not serving immediately, store the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use fresh cranberries and a good quality red wine for the best flavor. Avoid using any cranberries that are soft or damaged, as they can affect the overall texture of your sauce.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more sugar to taste. Conversely, you can reduce the sugar for a more tart flavor profile.
- Experiment with Spices: While the recipe calls for cinnamon and cloves, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a star anise for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough for the cranberries to burst and the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serving Suggestions: This sauce is versatile! Serve it warm over roasted meats, chilled as a side for cheese platters, or even as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake.
- Storage Tips: If you’re making this ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 174kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
