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!

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
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 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
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

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 says
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 says
I love homemade cranberry orange sauce! The Grand Marnier is a fun addition!
Liz says
One of my favorite dishes is homemade cranberries for the holidays! Nothing beats it! Will have to give this a try!
Colleen says
I hope you do try Liz! I know you'll love this cranberry recipe!
Amanda Dixon says
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 says
Hey Amanda, It's lovely to hear that you love this Grand Marnier version! Thanks for commenting!
Tara says
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 says
I hope you give it a try, Tara!
Elaine says
I love how delicious the sauce looks. Eactly how I like to make mine. Yum!
Colleen says
Thanks Elaine.
Adriana says
Homemade cranberry sauce is always the best. I made this sauce every year and it is amazing.
Colleen says
I agree, Adriana, homemade is so much better!
Angela says
I am always trying new cranberry sauce recipes. This recipe is unique with the use of the Grand Marnier. A great recipe.
Colleen says
Thanks Angela, It's great to hear that you liked this one!
Tawnie Kroll says
Our new favorite cranberry sauce recipe! I love the orange in it too, so good! Thank you!
Colleen says
You're very welcome, Tawnie! I'm so happy to give you a new favourite!
nancy says
perfect holiday sauce!!
Colleen says
Thanks Nancy!
Jeannie says
Im curious about the addition of liqueur in your cranberry sauce! Looks so good.
Colleen says
Hi Jeannie, the addition of Grand Marnier works really well!
Shashi says
I simply love your addition of grand marnier to this sauce - I cannot wait to try this out as it sounds so delicious!
Colleen says
It really is delicious, Shashi! Enjoy!
Juli says
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 says
So glad to be of help, Juli! Enjoy!
Mirlene says
Okay, I like this grand marnier added to the sauce! I just found an upgraded cranberry sauce recipe thats a keeper!
Colleen says
I'm so happy you like it, Mirlene!
Chenée says
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 says
Hi Chenee, I know you'll love it! Happy Thanksgiving!