Keto Cranberry Relish

Keto Cranberry Relish with Orange Zest and Grandma’s Surprise Bourbon

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: ~2 cups

Introduction

Cranberry relish is a holiday tradition, often passed down through generations. Grandma’s version always had a little extra “kick” — a hidden splash of bourbon she said made everything taste like Christmas. Back then, sugar was the centerpiece of every holiday dish, but in our keto kitchen, we’ve reinvented her classic with bold flavors, bright orange zest, warming spices, and a low-carb twist that keeps the spirit alive without the sugar overload.

This recipe celebrates her love for flavor and a little holiday mischief, while modernizing it for a ketogenic lifestyle.

Ingredients and Why They Matter

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (3 cups) – Cranberries are tart, naturally low in carbs, and the star of any traditional relish. Grandma loved the tangy bite; we keep it intact.

• ½ cup Keystone Pantry Allulose – A keto-friendly sweetener that mimics sugar’s sweetness without spiking blood sugar. This replaces the piles of sugar Grandma used, keeping it low-carb.

• ½ medium orange, zested and juiced – Adds citrus brightness, aroma, and depth. Grandma would sometimes use orange juice, but we amplify the zest to punch up the flavor without sugar.

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon & ⅛ tsp ground cloves – Classic holiday spices that warm the palate. Grandma’s touch is here, grounding the tart cranberries with familiar cozy flavors.

• ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds sweetness perception and complexity. It rounds the flavor, something Grandma instinctively did in all her desserts.

• Splash of bourbon (Grandma’s surprise!) – The “secret ingredient” that Grandma swore made the relish magical. We keep the tradition alive; it adds depth and aroma. For keto, the amount is minimal so carbs remain low.

• 2 tbsp water – Helps soften cranberries for the perfect texture.

Instructions

1. Prep the cranberries: Rinse and drain fresh cranberries. Place them in a medium saucepan with water and cook over medium heat until they begin to pop, about 5–7 minutes. This is the stage where cranberries release their natural tartness, forming the base flavor.

2. Sweeten & spice: Stir in the Keystone Pantry Allulose, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla extract. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until cranberries are tender but still slightly firm. This step balances the tartness with sweet warmth, honoring Grandma’s intent without her sugar-heavy approach.

3. Add Grandma’s surprise: Remove from heat and stir in a small splash of bourbon. This is the modern keto twist on her hidden indulgence — enough to give that rich, deep flavor she loved, but keeping it low-carb and alcohol-light.

4. Cool & serve: Allow the relish to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour. Flavors meld beautifully, and the bourbon adds a subtle, grown-up warmth reminiscent of Grandma’s festive spirit.

Tips for Success

• Make ahead: This relish tastes even better the next day. Prepare it up to a week in advance for hassle-free holiday entertaining.

• Adjust sweetness: Allulose is naturally less sweet than sugar, so taste and tweak as needed.

• Non-alcohol version: Simply omit the bourbon. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of orange extract to mimic the depth.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A1: Yes. No need to thaw. Just add an extra minute to cooking time to ensure proper softening.

Q2: Will the bourbon make it alcoholic?
A2: Very little remains after cooking. It’s mostly flavor, keeping it safe for all guests.

Q3: Can I make this completely sugar-free?
A3: Yes. Allulose or monk fruit are excellent keto alternatives, maintaining sweetness without sugar.

Q4: How long does it keep?
A4: Refrigerated in an airtight container, this relish lasts up to 2 weeks.

Q5: Can I omit spices?
A5: You can, but cinnamon and cloves bring warmth and depth. Grandma always insisted on them for that “holiday magic.”

Nutrition Facts (per ¼ cup serving)

• Calories: 30 kcal

• Total Fat: 0 g

• Saturated Fat: 0 g

• Carbohydrates: 6 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Net Carbs: 3 g

• Protein: 0 g

• Sugars: 1 g (naturally from cranberries)

This Keto Cranberry Relish honors Grandma’s tradition with a playful modern twist. The orange zest brightens the tart cranberries, warming spices bring nostalgia, and the splash of bourbon keeps her “secret” alive — all while staying low-carb, diabetic-friendly, and keto-conscious.