Mulled Cranberry & Apple Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This mulled cranberry & apple sauce is a festive twist on a classic accompaniment, bursting with warm spices and fruity flavors. Perfect for holiday meals, it combines tart cranberries, sweet apples, and aromatic mulling spices for a cozy, comforting addition to your table.
Ingredients
- 200ml red wine
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ orange, rind peeled, then juiced
- 5 cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 star anise
- 1 small cooking apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1cm pieces
- 200g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 150g light brown soft sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring the red wine to a gentle simmer in a saucepan along with the cinnamon stick, orange juice and rind, cloves, ground ginger, and star anise. Once steaming, remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture infuse for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Strain the infused wine into another pan, discarding the spices and orange rind. Add the chopped apple, cranberries, and light brown sugar to the strained wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the berries begin to burst and the apple softens. The sauce will thicken as it cools; add a splash more orange juice or water if you prefer a looser consistency. Let cool before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the red wine with cranberry juice or unsweetened apple juice, and simmer with the spices as directed.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of brandy to deepen the flavor.
- Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, pork, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake.
Storage
Store the mulled cranberry & apple sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It can also be frozen for longer storage. To serve, bring it to room temperature or gently warm on the stove, adding a little water or orange juice if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made several days in advance. It often tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight. Simply cool, store in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have red wine?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute the red wine with equal parts cranberry or apple juice. The spices and fruit will still infuse plenty of flavor, creating a delicious mulled sauce.
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Mulled Cranberry & Apple Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 400ml (serves 6) 1x
Description
A festive and warming mulled cranberry and apple sauce that combines the rich flavors of red wine, warming spices, and fresh fruit. Perfect as a seasonal condiment or accompaniment to holiday meals, this sauce offers a delightful balance of tart cranberries, sweet apple, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Spices and Liquids
- 200ml red wine
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ orange, rind peeled, then juiced
- 5 cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 star anise
Fruit and Sugar
- 1 small cooking apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1cm pieces
- 200g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 150g light brown soft sugar
Instructions
- Infuse the Wine: Bring the red wine to a gentle simmer in a saucepan along with the cinnamon stick, orange juice and rind, cloves, ground ginger, and star anise. Once it starts steaming, remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes to extract the flavors of the spices.
- Strain and Combine Ingredients: Strain the infused wine through a sieve into another pan to remove the spices and orange rind. Discard the solids. Add the peeled and chopped apple, fresh or frozen cranberries, and light brown soft sugar to the strained wine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries start to burst and the apples become soft. This process will thicken the sauce as it cools.
- Adjust Consistency and Serve: If the sauce is too thick once cooled, add a splash of orange juice or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. The sauce can be made ahead of time, frozen for later use, or kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The sauce thickens as it cools; add extra orange juice or water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Suitable for making ahead and freezing for convenient use at a later date.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within four days if not frozen.
- Use a cooking apple for best texture and sweetness balance.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a festive condiment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: mulled cranberry sauce, apple sauce, holiday sauce, festive condiment, mulled wine sauce
