Cabernet Cranberry Sauce is a recipe that is near and dear to me because it sparks one of my favorite Thanksgiving memories.
Not because of the beautiful colors, textures, and flavors.....
Not because of the rich red wine flavor or the zest orange....
Not because of the tart, but sweet bite......
Ron and I bought our first home in 2011 and we moved in mid-November. We were so excited to be in our new house, and prepare for the holidays. It was Thanksgiving day and we were getting ready to head to dinner with Ron's family. I ran to the basement to get a few serving dishes for sides I prepared, one being Cabernet Cranberry Sauce, and to my horror the was standing water in the basement of my brand new house. We were in a panic because it was very cold outside, and of course getting someone to the house was going to cost an arm and a leg. Ron ended up having to stay home and miss a bulk of the holiday, but the basement got taken care of for a relatively reasonable price considering it was a holiday. I remember finally getting to my mom's house in tears because I was so upset about my new house, and I felt very accomplished that I had remembered these cranberries. Now, I think about this story and laugh because it was the perfect memory of breaking in a new house. Ultimately, the culprit was an old hand towel that was stuck almost out to the street! Thankfully, we never had issues again, but it is a funny story to think about during this time of year, and makes me feel fortunate that I had this recipe prepped and ready to go to fly out the door as chaos ensued in our basement.
As mentioned above, this sauce has many wonderful qualities. I am partial to red wine in my cranberry sauce because I think it gives a depth of flavor, and really compliments the tart and sweet dynamic. I also really love adding orange zest and juice. The citrus adds a freshness to the sauce, and it compliments the richness of the red wine.
Another plus of making cranberry sauce is how easy it is, and it can be made way in advance so you are not having to worry about it when you are preparing your meal, or when you are getting ready to attend dinner and are bringing cranberry sauce as a side. I love to play around with different mix-ins in the sauce like rum, vanilla, brandy, cinnamon, brown sugar, jalapeno, and apple cider. As long as you keep the cranberry, sugar, and liquid ratios the same the sky is the limit for different variations you can make.
I know some people are not cranberry lovers, but they will have a change of heart once they try a homemade variety over the canned. The flavors are mush richer, more pronounced, and it pairs perfectly with the other traditional Thanksgiving dinner offerings.
Similar Recipes:
Cabernet Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon (or comparable full-bodied red wine)
- 2 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan, add cranberries, sugar, wine, zest, and juice.
- Bring cranberry mixture to a low boil. Reduce heat and partially cover the top of the sauce pan. Lightly simmer for 15 minutes, stirring at the halfway point. Cranberry skins will pop and begin to form a sauce.
- Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool before transferring to a storage container. Cover and chill for 1 ½ - 2 hours. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Notes
The sauce can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in a sealed container in the fridge.
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see it! Mention @CheeseCurdInParadise or tag #cheesecurdinparadise on Instagram!
Karyl Henry
I've never thought to add wine to my cranberry sauce, but what a great idea to intensify the flavors! I'm with you...homemade cranberry sauce is so much better than the canned stuff. This is a great recipe
Claudia Lamascolo
homemade is always the best and this looks over the top fabulous I cant wait to try it!
Mahy Elamin
I don't think the holidays would be complete without cranberry sauce. I bet those flavors are amazing! You make it sound so easy! Can't wait to try this one. I like this!
Denay DeGuzman
What a delicious new spin on traditional Thanksgiving dressing. I love this recipe!
Pavani
That sure was a memorable Thanksgiving in your brand new house. Glad that it all worked out in the end.
Cranberry sauce with cabernet sounds absolutely delicious.
Dan Zehr
I add your cranberry sauce to the list of the best sauces. It is such an easy and easy list of ingredients. Ideal for me. Of course I want to try. Thanks.
Gloria
You can never go wrong adding wine to anything. I usually add bourbon to my sauce, but this works for me too. Once you make homemade cranberry sauce, the canned stuff is a thing of the paste.
Marisa Franca
Recipes and memories really do go hand in hand. The first time we tasted something or who we were with. Those memories are special. Now, adding wine to cranberries -- you can't go wrong. The orange flavoring with zest I know will give the cranberry sauce a marvelous taste.
Catalina
wow! This sounds fabulous! Using Cabernet wine and orange flavor gives a fancy touch to the recipe! I am sure that all the guests will be impressed!
Melissa
Oh wow I have never used wine in my cranberry sauce, but this definitely sounds like something I would love!!! I also love the story behind it <3 sometimes the craziest moments make the best memories!
Veena Azmanov
Oh, wow. now you talking. I have made cranberry sauce many times but never added cabernet. Love cooking with red wine so this is a must try for me.
April
You know, the recipes that sparkle memories are the ones that we need to pass from one generation to another. Together with those memories, of course. Such recipes suddenly become stories that have much bigger value than just usual instructions, so I am happy to read one of yours! This sauce is amazing, thank you for sharing it!
Tammy
Oooh!!!! I LOVE this idea! Your cranberry sauce is going to be the star of the show! This sounds so elegant and fabulous!
Swathi
You made this cranberry sauce extra special with adding good amount of Cabernet Sauvignon . Best part I can drink the wine while making this cranberry sauce.
Natalie
Wow that sauce... It looks beyond perfect! I love the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon. I bet this taste so good. I'm saving this recipe. This is simply a must try for Holidays!