Festive Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce for the Holidays

A bowl of festive rosé wine cranberry sauce garnished with star anise, cinnamon sticks, and fresh cranberries, surrounded by candles and holiday greenery.

This Festive Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce for the Holidays is a bright and elegant twist on a holiday classic. Featuring tart cranberries simmered with citrus, spices, and a splash of rosé wine, it’s light, aromatic, and perfectly balanced – a refreshing change from traditional, richer versions.

Jump to Recipe
A bowl of rosé wine cranberry sauce topped with a cinnamon stick and star anise, set on a festive tartan plate with fresh cranberries and evergreen sprigs.

Hello, folks!

I hope your kitchen is already filled with festive spirit and delicious aromas. Today, I’m sharing something elegant yet simple that will add a touch of sophistication to your Christmas table. So, let’s dive into this Festive Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce for the Holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce

  • Elegant and refreshing: The rosé wine adds a delicate floral and fruity note that brightens the classic cranberry flavour.
  • Beautifully balanced: A hint of orange zest and subtle spices give it warmth without overpowering the freshness.
  • Perfect for entertaining: A simple make-ahead condiment that elevates any roast, appetiser, or cheese board.
  • Visually stunning: Its jewel-toned colour and glossy texture make it a festive showstopper on the table.

Festive Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce: Flavour and Texture Profile

This cranberry sauce with rosé is lighter and more aromatic than traditional versions. The rosé infuses subtle berry and floral notes, while orange and cinnamon bring warmth and depth. The result is a velvety, jewel-toned sauce that’s both sophisticated and comforting – a perfect match for your holiday main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

  • Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries provide the tart, vibrant base.
  • Rosé Wine: Adds a fruity, aromatic layer that makes this sauce elegant and distinctive.
  • Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and enhances the natural flavours.
  • Orange Zest and Juice: Bring freshness, brightness, and a festive citrus aroma.
  • Cinnamon and Spices: Add depth and warmth for a classic Christmas feel.
A bowl of festive rosé wine cranberry sauce garnished with star anise, cinnamon sticks, and fresh cranberries, surrounded by candles and holiday greenery.

Possible Variations and Additions

  • Add a touch of vanilla: For a subtle sweetness that enhances the rosé’s fruitiness.
  • Use sparkling rosé: To create a brighter, slightly tangier flavour.
  • Add a splash of liqueur: A bit of Cointreau or Chambord adds complexity.
  • Fold in fresh herbs: A hint of rosemary or thyme adds an elegant savoury note.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or pink peppercorns for warmth.

How to Make This Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, juice, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for several minutes until the berries soften and burst. Pour in the rosé wine and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly – it will firm up as it cools. Let it cool to room temperature before serving or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

More Festive Cranberry Recipes

Are you looking for more holiday cranberry recipes like this Festive Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce for the Holidays? Be sure to check more recipes below:

I’d love for you to try this cranberry sauce with rosé wine. If you give this festive condiment recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

A bowl of festive rosé wine cranberry sauce garnished with star anise, cinnamon sticks, and fresh cranberries, surrounded by candles and holiday greenery.

Festive Rosé Wine Cranberry Sauce for the Holidays

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Christmas, Festive Cheese and Appetizers, Condiments Sauces and Compound Butter
Servings

8-10

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Elegant rosé wine cranberry sauce with orange zest and cinnamon – light, aromatic, and festive for the holidays.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 350 gr. (about 4 cups) fresh cranberries

  • 1 and 1/4 cup Rosé wine, divided

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 2-3 tbsp. brown sugar

  • 1 tsp. orange zest

  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp. ginger

  • 1/4 small whole nutmeg, ground

  • 1/8 tsp. cardamom

Directions

  • In a medium pot (saucepan) combine 1 cup of Rosé wine, cranberries, honey, sugar, orange zest, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered and stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes, or until the cranberries are soft. Try and adjust the sweetness, if necessary.
  • Stir in the remaining cup of wine and simmer for one minute. Off heat and let it fully cool. Enjoy!
Hi - I'm Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I'm glad you're here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.

9 Comments

  1. I love the sound of this cranberry sauce, too, but I can’t get past the most recent one you posted with Cointreau.

  2. I’ve never had cranberry sauce made with wine and it sounds brilliant! As always, I love your beautiful and festive photos. :-) ~Valentina

  3. Michelle

    Great idea pairing cranberries with rose — always got that on hand, will have to try it for the holidays!

  4. We’re starting to get into the holiday spirit here! This is always a funny time of the year as I want to appreciate American Thanksgiving, but Christmas is nipping at its heels. Either way, I do love a good cranberry sauce – they’re so easy to make at home! This version with Rose sounds fun!

  5. I’ve used port and brandy and sherry and many others, but never rosé! What a great idea, and what a pretty sauce and photos.

  6. This Rose Wine Cranberry Sauce looks so elegant Ben! The flavors and the color are just showstopping. Absolutely perfect with Thanksgiving coming up, and I can also see this pairing well with so many things year-round!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *