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Cosmopolitan Cranberry Sauce

4.7

(75)

Image may contain Plant Food Fruit and Pizza
Cosmopolitan Cranberry SauceStephen Sullivan; food and prop styling: Roscoe Betsill

This vibrant condiment takes its inspiration from the popular cocktail the Cosmopolitan. The alcohol heightens the sauce's flavor, but for kids and nondrinkers, the recipe can easily be made nonalcoholic by substituting orange juice for the water and deleting the vodka and liqueur.

Test-Kitchen Tips:

•Thanks to its high acidity, which discourages bacteria growth, cranberry sauce keeps very well. It can be made and refrigerated at least two weeks before serving, and leftovers are likely to keep for another two weeks.
•Buy extra fresh cranberries during their season to freeze and add to baked goods. Do not defrost them before use, but do allow an extra few minutes baking time, as the frozen berries will chill the batter.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 3 cups

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed, drained, and picked through
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup vodka
3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In heavy medium saucepan over moderate heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to boil, stirring often to dissolve sugar, then reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened and reduced to about 3 cups, about 15 minutes.

    Step 2

    Transfer to medium bowl and cool, stirring often, until tepid, about 30 minutes. Stir in vodka and liqueur. Transfer to serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 2 hours. (Sauce can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and refrigerated.) Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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