This Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce recipe takes homemade cranberry sauce to the next level. This gourmet cranberry sauce is a delicious Thanksgiving side dish, with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. And it only takes 10 minutes to make!

Cranberries and oranges are always delicious together. And this homemade cranberry sauce recipe with Grand Marnier is made with orange juice and then has an extra shot of orange from the orange liqueur.
Why Make it From Scratch?
- Making cranberry sauce from scratch is quick and easy (just 10 minutes).
- Your homemade sauce will taste so much fresher.
- Whether you like it tart or on the sweeter side, you can control the amount of sugar.
- You can make this Grand Marnier cranberry sauce up to a week ahead.
- Did you know, homemade cranberry sauce freezes well?
- Cranberry sauce is versatile. It's more than just a turkey dinner condiment! Use it as a glaze for ham, chicken, or Cranberry Glazed BBQ Turkey Breast. It's a delicious addition to a Holiday Charcuterie Board, as a dip for Turkey & Feta Mini Quiche Appetizers and you can use cranberry sauce in recipes like Cranberry Date Squares , or Cranberry Coffee Cake.
Here's What You Need
- Cranberries Fresh Cranberries should be plump, firm to the touch, and a bright, shiny red colour.
- Orange juice If you use freshly squeezed orange juice, you can also use the orange zest for garnish. However, any pure unsweetened orange juice works fine, too.
- Brown Sugar Brown sugar adds a touch of extra flavour, but you can also use white sugar in the same amount.
- Cinnamon Stick If you don't have a cinnamon stick, use ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Grand Marnier You can also use Cointreau, triple sec, or any other orange liqueur instead.
How To Make It
- Put all ingredients in a saucepan over medium high heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the cranberries pop.
- Allow the sauce to cool, then transfer to a serving dish, or to a jar for storing in the fridge.
Recipe Tips
- When the cranberries start popping, they can cause some splatter. Use a deep sauce pan to make this cranberry sauce.
- If you like cranberry sauce on the sweeter side, you can add a couple of tablespoons more sugar.
- For a tart sauce, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
- Use a potato masher if you want a less chunky sauce.
- A longer simmering time will result in a thicker sauce. It will thicken as it cools
- Cranberry sauce is best served chilled, so put it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Recipe FAQs
You can store the homemade sauce in a jar with a lid for up to a week.
Yes you can freeze this recipe. Store it in an air tight, freezer safe container, bag, or jar for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. No need to thaw them, just give them a rinse.
More Thanksgiving Sides;
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Apples
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Sweet Potato Crunch
- Blueberry Sourdough Sausage Stuffing
- Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing
Recipe
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoon Grand Marnier liqueur
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium high heat
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. (The cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools). Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with orange zest.
Julia
I bet this is absolutely delish! I always think of my Dad when I see Grand Marnier, it's his favourite after dinner drink. What a great festive sauce.
Vanessa
I love homemade cranberry orange sauce! The Grand Marnier is a fun addition!
Liz
One of my favorite dishes is homemade cranberries for the holidays! Nothing beats it! Will have to give this a try!
Colleen
I hope you do try Liz! I know you'll love this cranberry recipe!
Amanda Dixon
This cranberry sauce is wonderful! The Grand Marnier really makes for a special dish that's perfect for the holidays when you want something a little extra fancy and impressive.
Colleen
Hey Amanda, It's lovely to hear that you love this Grand Marnier version! Thanks for commenting!
Tara
Oh wow! This cranberry sauce sounds absolutely fantastic with the addition of the Grand Marnier liqueur. I love how it comes together in less than 15 minutes too.
Colleen
I hope you give it a try, Tara!
Elaine
I love how delicious the sauce looks. Eactly how I like to make mine. Yum!
Colleen
Thanks Elaine.
Adriana
Homemade cranberry sauce is always the best. I made this sauce every year and it is amazing.
Colleen
I agree, Adriana, homemade is so much better!
Angela
I am always trying new cranberry sauce recipes. This recipe is unique with the use of the Grand Marnier. A great recipe.
Colleen
Thanks Angela, It's great to hear that you liked this one!
Tawnie Kroll
Our new favorite cranberry sauce recipe! I love the orange in it too, so good! Thank you!
Colleen
You're very welcome, Tawnie! I'm so happy to give you a new favourite!
nancy
perfect holiday sauce!!
Colleen
Thanks Nancy!
Jeannie
Im curious about the addition of liqueur in your cranberry sauce! Looks so good.
Colleen
Hi Jeannie, the addition of Grand Marnier works really well!
Shashi
I simply love your addition of grand marnier to this sauce - I cannot wait to try this out as it sounds so delicious!
Colleen
It really is delicious, Shashi! Enjoy!
Juli
that sounds like a deliciously elevated take on cranberry sauce. I love that you said it can be frozen, I had no idea and that will be so helpful.
Colleen
So glad to be of help, Juli! Enjoy!
Mirlene
Okay, I like this grand marnier added to the sauce! I just found an upgraded cranberry sauce recipe thats a keeper!
Colleen
I'm so happy you like it, Mirlene!
Chenée
I love homemade cranberry sauce but in this recipe the Grand Marnier took it to the next level! I can't wait to make this for Thanksgiving!
Colleen
Hi Chenee, I know you'll love it! Happy Thanksgiving!