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    Home » Recipes » Condiments, Sauces and Spices

    By Amy · Published: Jun 16, 2020 · Updated: May 6, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy 7 Comments

    Homemade Cocktail Sauce

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    A bowl of cocktail sauce on a platter with steamed shrimp with overlay text.

    This zesty Homemade Cocktail Sauce is so much better than store-bought and prepared with staple ingredients.  You’ll never want bottled sauce again!

    Dipping a shrimp into a bowl of cocktail sauce on a white platter with shrimp.

    Why buy cocktail sauce when you probably have everything you need to make it from scratch?  This recipe comes together in just a few minutes and can be easily adjusted to your liking.

    This sauce is traditionally served with shrimp cocktail and steamed shrimp but can be served with just about any seafood (I love it with oysters and fish).

    FAQs

    What is cocktail sauce made of?

    Prepared horseradish, black pepper, hot sauce, ketchup and lemon juice. The ingredients are very simple and completely customizable to your personal taste.  This is a base recipe – adjust the ingredients to make it as mild or as spicy as you want.A jar of horseradish, a pepper mill, hot sauce, ketchup and a lemon.

    How do you make cocktail sauce from scratch?

    Simply stir the ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice and pepper together in a small bowl. It can be served immediately, but is best when covered and refrigerated for at least one hour before serving.

    How long does homemade cocktail sauce last?

    I typically enjoy this sauce within a couple of days of preparing, but it normally keeps for up to one week when stored properly (in an airtight container or jar) in the refrigerator.

    How long it can be stored also depends on the expiration dates of your ingredients used, so use your best judgement when storing.

    Overhead view of a white platter of steamed shrimp with a bowl of sauce and lemon wedges.

    Number of Servings

    This recipe yields right at one cup of sauce and serves four people generously.

    Overhead closeup view of a bowl of cocktail sauce surrounded by steamed shrimp.

    Enjoy!

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    A steamed shrimp being dipped into a bowl of homemade cocktail sauce.

    Homemade Cocktail Sauce

    This easy cocktail sauce is so much better than store-bought and prepared with staple ingredients.  You’ll never want bottled sauce again!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sauces
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: homemade cocktail sauce, shrimp cocktail sauce
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Amy

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
    • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
    • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    Instructions

    • Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.
    • Place in a container and cover. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

    Notes

    • Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your personal taste!
    • Store for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  Do not re-use sauce that shrimp (or other foods) have been dipped into.  This is best served within 2 days of preparing.
    • This recipe yields approximately 1 cup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 602mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 311IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

    If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheBlondCook or tag #theblondcook!

    Originally published September 19, 2016.  Updated with new photographs, helpful tips and republished June 16, 2020.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Leta says

      March 02, 2021 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      Of all the recipes I found and tried, yours had what was missing for me. Black pepper. It really was the difference. Great, easy, memorable. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Amy says

        March 03, 2021 at 9:37 am

        Thanks so much, Leta – so glad to hear you enjoyed the cocktail sauce! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jane says

      July 19, 2020 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      I had this last night with shrimp and it was amazing!

      Reply
    3. Debbie says

      May 20, 2018 at 7:36 pm

      This is great, but can you can this for future use?

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        May 21, 2018 at 9:09 am

        Hi Debbie, I don’t know exactly how long it will last in the fridge… we normally eat it immediately or the next day. Hope you enjoy it if you make it! 🙂

        Reply
    4. TammyRenea @SanPasqualsKitchen says

      September 19, 2016 at 4:42 pm

      The shrimp and sauce look amazing!

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        September 20, 2016 at 8:22 am

        Thanks so much, Tammy Renea!

        Reply

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    Hey, I'm Amy Brinkley! Welcome to my online kitchen. I love cooking simple, family-friendly recipes with everyday ingredients.

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