Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the ultimate party dip that’s both zesty and irresistibly tangy, this Cocktail Sauce Recipe has your name on it. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated seafood dinner or craving a flavorful snack, this homemade cocktail sauce is a must-have. Fresh, bold flavors beautifully complement shrimp, oysters, or even crispy fries. Ready to upgrade your dipping game? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- Ready in just 5 minutes—no cooking required!
- Made with everyday pantry staples for easy prep.
- Perfectly balanced flavor: tangy, sweet, and spicy.
- Pairs wonderfully with shrimp, crab, and fried foods.
- Customizable to suit your ideal spice level.
Ingredients for the Best Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust for more heat)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
How to Make Cocktail Sauce Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, and sea salt.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth, thick, and creamy.
Step 3: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover and place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, creating a bold, delicious dip.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the cocktail sauce to a small serving bowl. Enjoy immediately, or store chilled until ready to dip!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Notes for the Perfect Classic Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for extra brightness.
- For a smoother texture, blend in a food processor for 10 seconds.
- Check out this classic cocktail sauce guide for more inspiration!
Cocktail Sauce Recipe Variations
- Spicy Sriracha: Swap hot sauce for 1 teaspoon Sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Bloody Mary Style: Add 1–2 tablespoons tomato juice and a pinch of celery salt for extra depth.
- Cilantro Lime: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro and 1 teaspoon lime juice for a fresh spin.
Required Equipment for Homemade Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Airtight container for storage
Cocktail Sauce Recipe Storage & Shelf Life
Store leftover cocktail sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Always give it a quick stir before serving, and avoid freezing for best texture and flavor (see more storage info here).
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve chilled with classic shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, or fried calamari.
- Use as a bold spread for crab cake sliders or fish sandwiches.
- Try it as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, onion rings, or roasted veggies.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- Start with less horseradish and hot sauce, then adjust to your taste.
- Chilling the sauce intensifies the flavors—don’t skip the rest time.
- For extra zest, add fresh lemon zest or a touch more Worcestershire sauce—learn more about flavor balance at Serious Eats.
Cocktail Sauce Recipe FAQ
- Can I make cocktail sauce ahead of time?
- Yes! This cocktail sauce recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- How spicy is this cocktail sauce recipe?
- It’s moderately spicy, but you can easily customize the heat by adding more or less horseradish and hot sauce.
- Can I use prepared horseradish instead of fresh?
- Absolutely! Prepared horseradish is recommended for ease and consistent heat, but freshly grated horseradish will give a more vibrant kick.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, combine ketchup and prepared horseradish.
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2Add fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the bowl.
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3Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
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4Stir all ingredients together until fully blended and smooth.
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5Chill the cocktail sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
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6Serve cold with chilled shrimp, oysters, or your favorite seafood.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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