This Cranberry Fireball Sauce is made with just three simple ingredients! It features tangy cranberries, fireball whiskey with a kick, and sweet honey syrup. Not only does it use up that leftover cranberry sauce, but it’s dairy-free and vegetarian!
Looking for more Holiday season recipes? Try these our Stuffing Without Celery, Biscoff Sweet Potato Casserole, Mashed Potato Squash or check out These Limited-time Trader Joe's Buys That Make The Perfect Heat & Serve 4-Person Thanksgiving Dinner For Less Than $50 for a small version.
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Sauce Ingredients
*All substitution options are a 1:1 substitution unless noted otherwise.
Fresh Cranberries: Cranberry sauce can be used, just reduce the sugar since the jam is already sweetened.
Fireball Whiskey: Any whiskey or bourbon can be used. If not using cinnamon-flavored whiskey and to make this kid-friendly, add 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or one cinnamon stick (remove before serving) and ⅛th of a teaspoon of additional water in place of the whiskey.
Maple Syrup: Honey, brown sugar (if using brown sugar, use 3 tablespoon of apple cider or any other juice to make up for lost liquid), or agave can be used.
Additions: Some nice additions to this delicious sauce would be pineapple juice, orange juice, zest from a fresh orange, vanilla bean paste, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, ginger ale, or ginger beer (if using one of these you will need to boil for 30 minutes to reduce down properly).
How to Make Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Step One: Add everything to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low to bring it to a simmer. While stirring constantly, boil for 10 minutes on medium heat until slightly thickened.
Step Two: Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, covered until the cranberries start to pop. As they do, use a fork or whisk to stir the sauce while also mashing the cranberries. Let this mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken. Then transfer to a bowl or jar to cool slightly.
Prefer to watch how to make this sauce?
Quick Facts and Common Questions
How do I make this sauce kid-friendly and without the whiskey?
Simply swap the whiskey for 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and ⅛ cup of additional water in this recipe.
Should this be eaten hot or cold?
I prefer to eat this warm but it's also really good cold! This makes it ideal for traveling with it to parties.
How can I make this ahead of time?
If you are traveling for the holidays, simply make this sauce the day before and then store it in an air-tight container. Let it cool completely before covering and putting it in the fridge.
Ways to Use Cranberry Sauce
Obviously, cranberry sauce is delicious on any Thanksgiving meal, but here are some other ways to use it!
- Orange Cranberry Bread Pudding
- Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
- On a turkey sandwich
- In the filling of an apple pie
- As a condiment on toast, crackers, or apple slices
more Thanksgiving recipes!
Recipe
20-Minute Cranberry Fireball Sauce with Fresh Cranberries
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries or ½ cup cranberry jam
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 oz Fireball Whiskey see notes for leeaving this out
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan
- Bring contents to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until the cranberries start to pop.
- As the cranberries start to pop, use a whisk or fork to gently mash the cranberries and stir. This will help thicken the sauce and the starches release.
- Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until thickened. Transfer to a bowl or jar and let cool slightly before serving.
This is awesome! Thanks!