Chipotle White Ale Cranberry Sauce
This is a game changer.
It’s the “best cranberry sauce ever” for cranberry sauce people, also for I-don’t-like-that-stuff people, and even for “don’t judge, but I like the phallic looking, ridged, gelatinous, canned version, don’t hate” people.
It’s smokey, spicy, and has a slight hint of beer. A recipe that requires you to open a beer, then “figure out” what you should do with the remaining 1/2 cup.
It’s also a make ahead, one step, one pot, fifteen minute dish that makes holiday prep easy.
We can do this. We can make it through the holidays. Although we may need much more than 1/2 cup beer to helps us get that job done.
Ingredients
- 12 wt oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white ale*
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 medium sized chipotle chili in adobo, minced
- 1 tbs adobo sauce
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a pot, bring to a low boil.
- Boil, stirring frequently, until thickened, about fifteen minutes.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Can be made three days in advance.
Notes
*Use a white ale, Belgian ale, Hefeweizen, or craft cider

I usually make my cranberry sauce with wine, but I love the idea of making it with beer. And chipotles!! Sounds SO good.
What a terrific idea to put a little chipotle in the cranberry sauce…love it!
This is a great take on the classic turkey day cranberry sauce . And the fact that it can be made three days in advanced….. that’s a keeper in my book (anything made during the kiddos nap time days ahead is a thumbs up). Yum.
Would this recipe work without the chipotle?
Yes it will. If you still want the smokiness without the heat try 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. If you don’t want any heat, try adding zest from an orange or tangerine.
I made your cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving and it was the hit of the meal! Everyone wanted a little to take home and the recipe. I used Ommegang Hennepin Saison Ale.
I love that so much! Thanks for sharing 🙂