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If you’re looking for a bold, grown-up twist on a holiday staple, this spiked cranberry sauce is exactly what you need. Bursting with the tart flavor of cranberries, this recipe gets a sweet lift from maple syrup and pineapple, plus a rich, warming kick from bourbon or whiskey. It’s quick to make and perfect for pairing with turkey, ham or even baked brie. You’ll love how this simple side dish brings extra flavor and fun to your holiday table.

A glass jar of cranberry sauce with a wooden spoon inside it, on a white surface—perfect for serving cranberry bourbon relish at your next gathering.

This spiked cranberry sauce blends tart cranberries, juicy pineapple, maple syrup, and bourbon into a bold, sweet and tangy twist on a beloved holiday classic.

Also try this pineapple cranberry brie crescent ring appetizer, pineapple BBQ chicken foil packets or pie iron pineapple upside down cakes?

A bowl of Spiked Cranberry Sauce topped with chopped nuts, surrounded by dried cranberries on a white surface.

Why You’ll Love It

Easy to mix: Just whisk everything together. There’s no cooking required.
Big flavor: The combination of fruit, syrup and bourbon packs a punch.
Perfect for holidays: A standout side for turkey, ham or cheese boards.
Make ahead friendly: Preps in minutes and tastes even better the next day.

A jar of chunky Spiked Cranberry Sauce with a wooden spoon inside.

Spiked Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds texture and bright tartness.
Jellied cranberry sauce: Smooths out the consistency and deepens the cranberry flavor.
Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a warm, seasonal note.
Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and depth.
Crushed pineapple: Introduces tropical acidity and a juicy bite.
Bourbon or whiskey: Gives a spiked kick and balances the sweetness.
Pecans: Add crunch and a nutty garnish for contrast.

Cranberry bourbon relish, vanilla, pecans, applesauce, oil, and brown sugar arranged on a white table.

How to Make Spiked Cranberry Sauce

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Mix the ingredients: Combine both cranberry sauces, maple syrup, brown sugar, crushed pineapple and bourbon in a bowl.
Whisk until smooth: Stir until the sauce is well blended and glossy.
Top and serve: Spoon into a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

A glass jar filled with Spiked Cranberry Sauce, surrounded by dried cranberries on a white surface, makes this cranberry bourbon relish perfect for any festive table.

Substitutions and Variations

Use all whole berry: Skip the jellied version if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Swap the spirit: Use brandy or dark rum if bourbon isn’t your thing.
Make it nut-free: Leave out the pecans or replace with sunflower seeds.

A glass jar filled with Spiked Cranberry Sauce, with dried cranberries scattered around it, adds a festive twist to your table.

Serving Suggestions

With Thanksgiving dinner: Enjoy your smoked turkey breast, garlic butter fondant potatoes, roasted acorn squash, and green bean casserole with this delicious cranberry sauce.
With cheese: It’s also delicious with a cheese board, butter board or brie pineapple wreath appetizer.
In sandwiches: Add some to your Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich.

Close-up of a glass jar filled with bright red, chunky spiked cranberry sauce on a white surface.

How to Store Cranberry Sauce with Whiskey

Store: It should stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freeze: You can freeze bourbon cranberry sauce for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost overnight in the fridge.

A hand dips a slice of pie into a bowl of spiked cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh rosemary.

Top Tips

Use quality bourbon: A smoother spirit makes a better-tasting sauce.
Chill before serving: The flavors deepen after a short rest in the fridge.
Taste and adjust: Add more syrup or pineapple if you like it sweeter.

A jar of bright red spiked cranberry sauce sits amid scattered cranberries in the background, adding a festive twist to your holiday table.

Spiked Cranberry Sauce FAQs

Can I use just one type of cranberry sauce?

Yes, but using both gives a better texture balance.

Is this safe for kids?

Because it’s not cooked, the alcohol remains. It’s best reserved for adults. Or you could skip the alcohol or replace it with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead and refrigerate.

Bowl of Spiked Cranberry Sauce topped with chopped pecans, surrounded by dried cranberries, nuts, and a small bottle—perfect for trying a cranberry sauce with bourbon and pineapple twist.

Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A glass jar filled with spiked cranberry sauce, with a wooden spoon inside, showcases this delicious cranberry sauce with bourbon and pineapple.
Print
5 from 6 votes

Spiked Cranberry Sauce

By: Bella Bucchiotti
This spiked cranberry sauce is bold, fruity and just sweet enough. The bourbon adds warmth, while pineapple and maple syrup round out the tartness. It’s quick to make and perfect for any holiday spread.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 7 Ounces cranberry sauce, whole berry
  • 7 Ounces cranberry sauce, jellied
  • 1/4 Cup maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 Cup pineapple, crushed
  • 1 Ounce bourbon, or whiskey
  • 5 Tablespoons pecans, chopped, for garnish 

Instructions 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, maple syrup, brown sugar, crushed pineapple, and whiskey.
  • Whisk until smooth. Add to the bowl and store any extra in a mason jar or container.
  • Top with chopped pecans.   

Notes

Use quality bourbon: A smoother spirit makes a better-tasting sauce.
Chill before serving: The flavors deepen after a short rest in the fridge.
Taste and adjust: Add more syrup or pineapple if you like it sweeter.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Cranberry bourbon relish, vanilla, pecans, applesauce, oil, and brown sugar arranged on a white table.
Canned cranberry sauce in a white bowl on a light surface, with sauce and ingredients nearby—perfect for creating a spiked cranberry sauce recipe or transforming into a tasty cranberry bourbon relish.
White bowl with cranberry sauce with bourbon and pineapple, surrounded by ingredients on a white surface.
A white bowl with Spiked Cranberry Sauce, brown sugar, and syrup being mixed together on a white surface—perfect for trying a cranberry sauce with bourbon and pineapple.
A white bowl filled with chunky cranberry sauce on a light surface, featuring a cranberry bourbon relish, with a few cranberries nearby.
A jar of cranberry sauce with bourbon and pineapple sits on a white table, surrounded by scattered dried cranberries and nuts.

Spiked cranberry sauce is a fast, flavorful twist on the traditional version that takes your holiday meal up a notch. With tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon, every bite delivers a bold, festive punch. It’s easy to mix up in minutes and perfect with everything from turkey to baked brie. Whether you serve this cranberry bourbon relish at Thanksgiving, Christmas or your next holiday gathering, this sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A jar of cranberry sauce with bourbon and pineapple, sealed with a metal lid, surrounded by dried cranberries.
A mason jar filled with cranberry sauce with bourbon and pineapple, surrounded by dried cranberries.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I am seriously never going to buy grocery store cranberry sauce again. I loved this so much. I made it ahead and tasted just as good 2 days after making (long story, we had a sudden change of plans, but it just goes to show the alcohol helps this one keep well!)

    Reply