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Classic Homemade Cocktail Sauce

A bright, bold, and fresh homemade cocktail sauce that adds the perfect zing to your seafood dishes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer Sauce, Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons prepared horseradish drained if liquid-packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, for a rounder flavor

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Small whisk or spoon
  • Lemon juicer or fork
  • Airtight container for storage

Method
 

  1. Gather all the ingredients and set them out for easy access.
  2. If your horseradish comes packed in liquid, press it against a fine mesh strainer to remove excess moisture.
  3. Spoon the full cup of ketchup into your mixing bowl.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of horseradish to start and mix well.
  5. Squeeze in the tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and stir.
  6. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce if using, and black pepper.
  7. Add the optional half teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt.
  8. Taste the sauce and add more horseradish one half teaspoon at a time until the heat feels right for you.
  9. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Taste the sauce again after chilling, because horseradish strengthens as it sits.