Cocktail Sauce Recipe that’s tangy with a touch of heat, and it tastes so much fresher and better than anything store-bought.
Author’s Notes
Skip the Tray, Make It Yourself!
When it comes to appetizers, shrimp cocktail is one of the first things that comes to mind.
It’s one of those classic apps that just about everyone loves. Chilled shrimp are plump, firm, juicy, and just so good.
But for me, a good cocktail sauce recipe is what really makes it. It’s bold, tangy, and a little spicy with ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire. Simple, fresh, and truly what seals the deal on this appetizer!
Skip the store bought trays and make it yourself. This homemade sauce is way better than anything pre made, I promise.
P.S. If you want a sweet appetizer to go with this one, you’ve GOT to try my new cheesecake dip!
Cocktail Sauce Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredients | Helpful Tip |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | Use a classic, thicker ketchup you love the flavor of. For me, nothing beats Heinz (not sponsored). |
| Prepared horseradish | Use prepared horseradish, not horseradish sauce, and drain off any excess liquid so the cocktail sauce stays thick and punchy instead of watery. |
| Lemon juice & lemon zest | Fresh lemon makes a big difference and adds brightness and freshness. |
| Worcestershire sauce & hot sauce | Start light and add more to taste since these build depth and heat fast. |
| Garlic powder, salt & honey or sugar | A small touch of sweetness balances the tang and heat perfectly in this cocktail sauce recipe. Salt brings it all together! |
Quick Tip
Prepared horseradish is sharp and punchy since it’s grated root in vinegar, while horseradish sauce is milder and creamy, which softens the heat and changes the flavor.
How To Make This Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- Mix: Stir everything together in a bowl until smooth and fully combined.
- Taste: Adjust to your liking by adding more heat, tang, or sweetness as needed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend.
Storage
Store this cocktail sauce recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving since it may separate slightly as it sits.
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Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup like Heinz
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish drained if watery, see note 1
- 1 large lemon 1/2 tsp zest, 1 tbsp juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- a few dashes hot sauce add to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or white sugar, add to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together all ingredients until smooth and fully combined.
- Taste and adjust as needed. Add more horseradish for heat, lemon for brightness, or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors blend and mellow.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Cocktail Sauce Recipe FAQs
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling, and you can make it up to 3 days in advance.
It has a very mild kick. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less horseradish or hot sauce.
It’s great with crab, lobster, oysters, or even as a dipping sauce for fried seafood.
Chilling isn’t required, but it makes a big difference. The flavors mellow and blend together much better after some time in the fridge.
