Cocktail Sauce
This zesty, tangy cocktail sauce takes just minutes to prepare and delivers bold horseradish kick balanced with sweet ketchup and bright citrus notes. Store-bought versions often taste flat or overly sweet, but this homemade version brings bright, punchy flavors that complement seafood beautifully with customizable heat levels.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer Optional, for fresh lemon juice
- Airtight storage container
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup 240ml
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish 30ml, adjust to taste, drained of excess liquid
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 15ml
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 5ml
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce 2.5ml, such as Tabasco
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1ml
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1ml
- salt Pinch
- black pepper Pinch
Instructions
- Add 1 cup ketchup to a medium mixing bowl at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Add 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, draining excess liquid before measuring for proper consistency.
- Juice a fresh lemon and add 1 tablespoon lemon juice (strained) plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to the bowl.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus a pinch each of salt and black pepper.
- Whisk vigorously for at least 30 seconds, scraping sides and bottom to ensure complete incorporation and smooth texture.
- Taste with a clean spoon and adjust horseradish, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, or pepper to your preference.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest, most vibrant flavor
- Start with less horseradish and add more gradually to reach your preferred heat level
- Use prepared horseradish (creamy white kind), not horseradish sauce - they're different products
- Drain excess liquid from jarred horseradish before measuring to prevent watery sauce
- Sauce improves after chilling for at least an hour as flavors meld and develop complexity
- Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Slight darkening during storage is normal and doesn't indicate spoilage
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers; thaw in refrigerator overnight
- For spicier sauce, increase horseradish to 3-4 tablespoons or add extra hot sauce
- Serve chilled in a bowl set over ice for parties to keep it perfectly cold
Nutrition
Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 8gSodium: 280mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg
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