Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (2024)

Published July 21, 2021.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Homemade co*cktail sauce is so incredibly easy to make and infinitely better when making it yourself to serve up to your family and guests.

There is nothing like a tasty sauce to compliment the main entrée with. If you love sauces as much as we do, then you should absolutely check out how to make my BBQ sauce or my aioli recipe.

It’s very important to me, to know the ingredients you’re working with, which is why I started shopping at this alternative small family-owned online store where I can pronounce and know every single ingredient in it. I think you might like this store too, and if you want, give it a try byclicking this link.

Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (1)

co*cktail Sauce

co*cktail sauce has been around since the early 20th century as according to cookbooks, a tasty spicy tomato-based sauce was often served up with oysters and shrimp. In the United States, the term “co*cktail” became popularized when marrying it with food because oftentimes the food was served up in co*cktail-style glasses and at co*cktail lounges, which is why co*cktail shrimp is so often served up in glasses with a stem.

Here is what a typical co*cktail sauce is made of:

  • Ketchup: This acts as the base of the recipe and any ketchup brand will do.
  • Chili Sauce: A bottled sauce that is tomato-based but has other spices and vegetables in it.
  • Horseradish: Most often raw prepared horseradish is used, but fresh grated will work as well.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This salty umami sauce adds a lot of flavor to a co*cktail sauce.
  • Hot Sauce: Any hot sauce will work for this recipe, but I most often use Tabasco.

How to Make co*cktail Sauce from Scratch

Use these simple step-by-step instructions to make a homemade co*cktail sauce recipe from scratch:

Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.

Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (2)

Whisk until everything is completely combined and keep cool in the refrigerator until it is ready to serve.

Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (3)

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: You can make this up to 2 days ahead of time.

How to Store: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will freeze ok covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day before serving.

Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (4)

chef notes + tips

  • Creamy horseradish will not work in this recipe.
  • If you do not have access to chili sauce, replace the ingredient amount with ketchup.
  • Raw horseradish can be used but add it in to taste as it is spicier than jarred prepared.
Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (5)

More Sauce Recipes

  • Comeback Sauce
  • Vinegar BBQ Sauce
  • Pesto
  • Beurre Blanc
  • Chimichurri

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Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (6)

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Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe

Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (7)

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5 from 5 votes

Homemade co*cktail sauce is so incredibly easy to make and infinitely better when making it yourself to serve up to your family and guests.

Servings: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients to a medium-size bowl.

  • Whisk together everything until it is completely combined.

  • Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Notes

Chef Notes:

Make-Ahead: You can make this up to 2 days ahead of time.

How to Store: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will freeze ok covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day before serving.

Creamy horseradish will not work in this recipe.

If you do not have access to chili sauce, replace the ingredient amount with ketchup.

Raw horseradish can be used but add it in to taste as it is spicier than jarred prepared.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2172mgPotassium: 748mgFiber: 5gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 1084IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1mg

Course: sauces, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Author: Chef Billy Parisi

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12 comments

    • Tamara
    • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (8)

    This is delicious! Way easy and much better than all the purchased sauce that we have tried over the years. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    • Reply
    • lori

    I also add a squeeze of fresh Lemon.
    Only use Heinz Chili Sauce. It makes a difference!

    • Reply
    • William Peiffer

    The link to your online family owned store is broken. Can you give us a new link or the store name, please

    • Reply
    • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (10)

        We don’t have a store

        • Reply
      • Karen E McConnell
      • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (11)

      I was wondering, what brand of raw horseradish sauce you preferred to use in this recipe? And, how long would this keep in the fridge too?

      • Reply
      • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (12)

          don’t have one

          • Reply
        • Danno

        Love your recipes!

        What would be more helpful, you ask?

        When you inform your followers about Nutrition, include the size of the portion that this represents.
        Thanks,
        Danno

        • Reply
        • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (13)

            when it comes to things like sauces, it’s a little bit subjective. The amount is listed in every recipe. If you break the 2 cups down to only 1 tablespoon a piece, then the nutrition is divided by 32. Make sense? I almost only do it this way for sauces. because some people prefer more than others,

            • Reply
          • Vicki
          • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (14)

          I always add some honey (1 to 2 tsps.) to thicken the sauce so it adheres to the shrimp.

          • Reply
          • Stephen Bohrer
          • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (15)

          I’m 74 and have only knowingly eaten Heinz co*cktail Sauce my whole life. When I saw this recipe I thought what was the point when it included ½ cup of a commercial co*cktail sauce? I made the recipe just as Billy wrote it. It is so improved even though it includes the Heinz as part of the recipe. Wow, it is delicious!

          • Reply
          • Christine
          • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (16)

          This by far the best co*cktail sauce I have ever had. Served with your fried shrimp recipe. Delicious 😋

          • Reply
        Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe (2024)

        FAQs

        What is co*cktail sauce made from? ›

        The standard ingredients (in roughly decreasing proportion) are ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco, Louisiana, or Crystal), Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. A soufflé cup is usually set in the middle of the platter of oysters along with a co*cktail fork and a lemon slice.

        What can I use instead of co*cktail sauce? ›

        Five 2-Ingredient Sauces for Shrimp co*cktail
        • Curried Yogurt Sauce. This is a simple blend: start with 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder, and lots of salt to bring out the flavors, then adjust as needed. ...
        • Sriracha Mayonnaise Sauce. ...
        • Ketchup-Mustard Sauce. ...
        • Avocado Hot Sauce. ...
        • Sour Cream-Chipotle Sauce.
        May 1, 2019

        What can I dip shrimp in? ›

        Since grilled shrimp cooks in mere minutes, spend a little time making a spectacular sauce to toss with them or serve alongside.
        • Green goddess dressing. Eric Wolfinger. ...
        • Miso butter. © Christina Holmes. ...
        • Oregano and lemon. © John Kernick. ...
        • Harissa. © Christina Holmes. ...
        • Aioli. © Con Poulos. ...
        • Romesco. © Edmund Barr.
        Jul 8, 2022

        Does co*cktail sauce contain vinegar? ›

        Directions. Stir horseradish and vinegar. Then stir into ketchup to combine. Add lemon juice, salt, sugar, and hot sauce, if desired.

        What is ketchup and mayo mixed together called? ›

        Fry sauce is a condiment often served with French fries or tostones (twice-fried plantain slices) in many places in the world. It is usually a combination of one part tomato ketchup and two parts mayonnaise.

        What is shrimp co*cktail sauce made of? ›

        Directions. In small bowl combine ketchup, horseradish, a dash of Worcestershire, a squirt of lemon, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Chill and serve.

        Is there a good substitute for horseradish? ›

        Daikon and black radish are great swaps for fresh, raw grated horseradish, though they aren't as fiery and will yield a milder, juicier end product. Because of this, use twice as much daikon or radish as horseradish, though it will still be milder than horseradish.

        Is co*cktail sauce made of ketchup and horseradish? ›

        For co*cktail sauce, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish and lemon juice in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. You can also add dried onion powder if you desire. Salt to taste.

        How long does homemade co*cktail sauce last? ›

        But how long does homemade co*cktail sauce last in the fridge? The general consensus is one to two weeks. The acidity from the lemon and ketchup will help preserve it, but it won't last as long as those store-bought options. Don't think you can eat it that fast?

        What is pina colada sauce made of? ›

        The absolute best type of sauce for coconut shrimp is this piña colada sauce. It's a simple blend of crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and yogurt. You can also try a dipping sauce recipe like orange marmalade or Thai sweet chili sauce.

        Why do you put lemon juice in shrimp? ›

        Flavor Enhancement: Lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the shrimp, which can complement and enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood. It provides a refreshing and tangy element that can balance the richness of the shrimp.

        What co*cktail sauce is GF? ›

        co*cktail sauce is gluten-free in most cases. The main ingredients, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice do not contain gluten. However, some brands use additional ingredients, like malt vinegar, which are dangerous for celiacs. So be sure to choose safe brands or make homemade sauces.

        Is co*cktail sauce made from ketchup? ›

        Many co*cktail sauce recipes call for the basics: ketchup or chili sauce, horseradish, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and tabasco. We've decided to include these traditional flavors, while adding a few extra for our own twist. We swap out lemon juice for lemon zest, and add applesauce.

        Does homemade co*cktail sauce go bad? ›

        If you are storing homemade co*cktail sauce, the guidelines differ, however. We recommend tossing from-scratch sauce after two weeks. While you can freeze co*cktail sauce, it is best not to, as it will change the texture. The best way to ensure no co*cktail sauce goes to waste is simply to use it more often.

        Is co*cktail sauce unhealthy? ›

        co*cktail Sauce is healthy, but it also has several nutritional values and health benefits. This tomato-based condiment is fat-free and adds advantages to the other ingredients like garlic, lemon, horseradish, etc. However, the sauce has high amounts of sugar and salt in it.

        What's the difference between ketchup and co*cktail sauce? ›

        What is the difference between ketchup and co*cktail sauce by the way? Nick Coe: Not much. Basic co*cktail sauce is chili sauce, which is a type of ketchup that has more peppers… and then you add horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.

        Why is shrimp sauce called co*cktail sauce? ›

        "co*cktail sauce" is a bit of a misleading name since, despite all these varying mix-ins, the appetizer isn't made with alcohol. Instead, the name refers to the dish's prevalence in Prohibiton-era eateries and how it was served inside a co*cktail glass.

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