Mulled Wine Cranberry Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
16 servings (2 tablespoons)
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Calories
75 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Mulled Wine Cranberry Sauce
Description
This sauce combines fresh cranberries with dry red wine, apple cider, and light brown sugar to create a sweet-tart base. Ground warming spices such as cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cardamom provide aromatic depth typical of mulled wine flavors. Bringing the mixture to a boil and then simmering until the cranberries burst causes the sauce to thicken as the fruit releases its juices. The final addition of brandy adds complexity and enhances the festive character.
The resulting cranberry sauce has a rich taste that balances sharp fruit acidity with sweetness and spices. The texture is soft and slightly chunky. It can complement savory dishes, especially during holiday meals where cranberry sauce is traditional, serving alongside poultry or pork.
The sauce can be made up to five days in advance and stored refrigerated covered. It also freezes well for up to two months. Bringing it to room temperature before serving helps restore its ideal consistency. Sugar quantity can be adjusted depending on preferred tartness.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries fresh
- 3/4 cup red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, dry
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 cup light brown sugar *
- orange grated zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- pinch cloves ground
- pinch ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon brandy (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- In a large pot, stir together all ingredients except for the brandy. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer until most of the cranberries have "burst" and are soft.
- Remove from heat and stir in brandy, if using.
- Cool to room temperature and serve. Sauce will thicken upon standing.
Notes
- Make the sauce up to 5 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator for convenience.
- The sauce freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to taste for desired tartness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings (2 tablespoons)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 75 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 75kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Sodium | 4mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 40mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 15IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2.8mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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