Meet your new holiday staple. This blackberry–cranberry sauce is sweet-tart, glossy, and layered with flavor thanks to The Olive Leaf Blackberry Ginger Balsamic and Cranberry Pear Balsamic. It cooks in about 20 minutes, sets beautifully in the fridge, and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 3 Tbsp jellied cranberry sauce (smooth, not chunky)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 12 oz fresh cranberries (rinsed)
• 1 cup seedless blackberry jam (we like Dillman Farms)
• 1 Tbsp The Olive Leaf Blackberry Ginger Balsamic
• 1 Tbsp The Olive Leaf Cranberry Pear Balsamic

Instructions

1. Start the base. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, jellied cranberry sauce, brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the cranberries. Stir in the fresh cranberries. Return to a gentle boil and simmer 8–10 minutes, until most berries have popped and the sauce looks glossy and saucy.
3. Finish with jam & balsamics. Remove from heat and stir in blackberry jam plus the Blackberry Ginger Balsamic and Cranberry Pear Balsamic. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
4. Chill to set. Let cool, then refrigerate at least 1 hour (and up to 1 week). Bring to room temperature before serving.

Why balsamic works

Fruit-forward balsamics add gentle acidity and a jammy depth that brightens cranberries without making the sauce sharp. The result is balanced sweetness, a cleaner finish, and that “what’s in here?” flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Make-ahead: This is even better on day two. Prep up to a week in advance; store refrigerated in a sealed container.
• Texture: For a smoother sauce, mash lightly with a potato masher or pulse in a food processor once cooled.
• Citrus twist: Add 1 tsp orange zest for extra brightness.
• Spice it up: A pinch of ground ginger or allspice complements the Blackberry Ginger Balsamic.
• Serve it beyond turkey: Spoon over roast chicken or pork, swirl into yogurt or oatmeal, layer on grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches, or serve with a cheese board.

Pair It

Serve alongside roasted poultry, baked brie, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese. A drizzle of Cranberry Pear Balsamic over the cheese board ties everything together.