Salsa de Arándanos con Naranja (Cranberry Orange Sauce) is a citrus variation of the classic cranberry sauce.
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It's made with cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and orange zest, and some versions include a splash of orange liqueur for extra flavor.
This Salsa de Arándanos con Naranja (Cranberry Orange Sauce) is an easy recipe that brings a bright citrus flavor to any holiday meal.
The cranberries are slowly simmered with orange juice and orange zest until they burst, naturally thickening the sauce and giving it a glossy texture.
I added a splash of orange liqueur at the end to further enhance the flavor, creating a rich and aromatic finish.
Ingredients You'll Need
Note: See the recipe card for quantities.
- Cranberries: The base of the sauce.
- Sugar: Balances the cranberries' acidity.
- Orange Juice & Orange Zest: Adds fresh citrus flavor and depth.
- Salt: Brings out sweetness and balance.
- Orange Liqueur (optional): Enhances flavor.
How to Make Salsa de Arándanos con Naranja
Note: Full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, salt, and orange juice. Simmer over medium heat until the berries have burst, about 45 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, pressing down any unpopped cranberries with a spoon as needed. Once done, stir in the orange liqueur and remove the pan from the heat. Transfer to a nonreactive bowl, cool to room temperature, and serve.
Hint: Make sure to use fresh orange zest, not just juice. The zest contains essential oils that give the sauce its bright citrus aroma and deeper, more complex flavor.🍊
Storage, Make Ahead, & Freezing
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Make Ahead: It can be prepared up to a week in advance; the flavor gets better as it sits.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this sauce, as it's best enjoyed fresh.
Camila's Tips & Variations
- The cooking time in this recipe is for fresh cranberries. If using frozen, don't thaw them-just pick through and add about 2 extra minutes to the simmering time.
- Love cherries? Transform this Orange Cranberry Sauce into a Cranberry Cherry Sauce! Follow the recipe as written, but add 1 cup of dried cherries along with the cranberries, and swap the orange liqueur for ¼ cup of Chambord (raspberry liqueur) to give the sauce a rich, fruity finish.
- Want a warm, spiced note? Toss in a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or black pepper during cooking.
- For a smoother consistency, blend the sauce once cooled until silky.
- Try using leftovers as a spread for toast, a topping for yogurt or pancakes, or even as a glaze for roasted meats.
- Let the sauce cool completely-it naturally thickens as it rests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need orange liqueur?
It's optional but highly recommended. It deepens the citrus flavor.
Why didn't my cranberry sauce thicken?
It might need a few more minutes of simmering. Cranberries contain natural pectin, which thickens the sauce as it cools, so don't worry if it looks thin right off the stove.
Can I make this sauce less sweet?
Yes. Simply reduce the sugar to taste, but keep enough to balance the tartness of the cranberries and maintain that classic sweet-tart flavor.
Can I substitute fresh orange juice?
Yes! Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor. If you don't have any on hand, use 100% pure orange juice-not from concentrate.
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Recipe
Salsa de Arándanos con Naranja
Equipment
- Heavy or medium nonreactive saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula
- Microplane or zester (for the orange zest)
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 2 (12-ounce) bags cranberries, picked through
- 2 cups Fresh Orange Juice or Storebought
- ¼ cup Orange Liquor Curacao , Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier
- 1 ½ cup Sugar
- Zest of an Orange
- ¼ teaspoon kosher Salt
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, salt, orange juice, and zest. Simmer over medium heat until the berries have burst, about 25-30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, pressing down any unpopped cranberries with a spoon as needed. Once done, stir in the orange liqueur and remove the pan from the heat. Transfer to a nonreactive bowl, cool to room temperature, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
