If you've been wondering how to make cocktail sauce at home, I'm sharing the best zesty Homemade Cocktail Sauce recipe to serve with shrimp, crab cakes, oyster, or seafood. This simple 4-ingredient, 5-minute recipe is way better than the bottle and one you will make again and again.
How To Make Cocktail Sauce
You might be surprised at how to make cocktail sauce at home! This Homemade Cocktail Sauce is easy and comes together with pantry staples you probably already have at home. This recipe is remarkably tastier than bottled store-bought cocktail sauce, with a bright, zesty flavor you will love.
My Homemade Cocktail Sauce is a recipe I've been making from scratch for years. In fact, I can't remember the last time I bought this in a bottle. Serve it with any of your favorite seafood dishe, but it's especially good with shrimp, crabs, and oysters. My family loves this recipe, and we serve it at least a few times a month. We also love my homemade Cajun Remoulade Sauce.
There is something so simple about the way this comes together, and with this homemade version, you can make it as spicy or mild as you'd like. If you've been wondering how to make cocktail sauce, this guide has you covered with everything you need to know!
How to Make Cocktail Sauce Share on X
Why You'll Love this Homemade Cocktail Sauce recipe...
- This Homemade Cocktail Sauce recipe has just 4 ingredients and takes just 5 minutes to make.
- The taste is so much better than a bottle.
- You can make it as zesty or mild as you'd like.
- You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- It elevates any shrimp or seafood dinner to the next level!
Ingredients:
Wondering how to make cocktail sauce? Here's an overview of the ingredients, but keep scrolling for the full recipe amounts.
- Ketchup: Ketchup is the perfect base for a homemade cocktail sauce and an essential flavor, thanks to its classic tomato base.
- Prepared Horseradish: Look for prepared horseradish in the condiment section of the grocery store. This is another essential ingredient that gives the best cocktail sauce a bright and zesty flavor. My family loves horseradish, so we use the full 2 tablespoons. It does come out a bit zippy and spicy. If you prefer a milder sauce or have sensitive taste buds, try 1 tablespoon of horseradish. I find this type at our grocery store. You can also use fresh horseradish, but I like the vinegar flavor in prepared horseradish. The spice level of horseradish can vary from brand to brand, so make sure to test it before you add it to your sauce.
- Lemon: Don't skip fresh lemon juice; it balances the horseradish and complements the seafood flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: I like to add just a splash or dash to get that bold umami flavor. If you don't have this, you can leave it out and make it with just the three ingredients above. You could also substitute wasabi, soy, or fish sauce.
Instructions:
This is an overview of how to make cocktail sauce, but the full, detailed, printable recipe is below in the recipe card.
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Taste and add a pinch of salt or pepper, if desired.
- Chill and serve.
- You can eat this immediately, but I think it's best to let the flavors develop in the fridge by sitting for at least 30 minutes.
Variations on How to Make Cocktail Sauce
I love this Homemade Cocktail Sauce recipe, but here are some fun variations and add-ins.
Optional Add-Ins
- Tabasco Sauce - For a spicy kick, add your favorite hot sauce.
- Old Bay Seasoning - If you love Old Bay, you can also add some Old Bay Seasoning.
- Minced Garlic- Minced garlic also adds another depth of flavor.
FAQ
Storage & Leftovers
You can make this sauce in a batch ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. The lemon acts as a preservative.
Freezing
I would not try to freeze this.
What are the ingredients in cocktail sauce?
Cocktail Sauce can be made with three simple ingredients, including ketchup, horseradish, and lemon. Other add-ins include Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and minced garlic.
Is cocktail sauce just horseradish and ketchup?
The most basic cocktail sauce is made with just horseradish and ketchup, but most include other ingredients like lemon and Worcestershire sauce.
How to Make Cocktail Sauce
I'm hoping I've taken the mystery out of making cocktail sauce, which is the perfect complement to your favorite seafood dishes. This beloved seafood sauce could not be easier to make with just 4 ingredients. This bright, zippy recipe tastes so much better than bottled, and you will love how this turns out! After you try this at home, you might never buy the bottle again. Here are some ways to serve it!
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Shrimp in Foil
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Boiled Shrimp
- Crab Cakes
- Raw Oysters
- Shrimp Deviled Eggs
- Shrimp Burgers
More Homemade Sauce Recipes to Try:
- Cajun Remoulade Sauce
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Marinara Sauce
- Green Goddess Sauce
- Coconut Shrimp Sauce
- Homemade Greek Yogurt Ranch
If you make this, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, too!
How to Make Cocktail Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 lemon, juice, about 2 tablespoons
- splash worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, prepared horseredish, lemon juice and worsestershire sauce.
- Chill and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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