The Best Classic Cocktail Sauce – Quick, Spicy & Delicious

Looking for the perfect zesty dip to pair with shrimp, oysters, or your favorite seafood? This homemade cocktail sauce is a classic blend of tangy ketchup, sharp horseradish, and a hint of lemon that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Ready in just minutes with simple pantry ingredients, this quick and easy cocktail sauce recipe is a must-have for seafood lovers. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet seafood dinner at home, this sauce brings restaurant-quality taste right to your table.

Ingredients :

For the Cocktail Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp (45 g) ketchup
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp brandy
  • Tabasco® sauce, to taste

For the Mayonnaise:

  • 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup (120 g) sunflower oil
  • Fine salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

How to Make Cocktail Sauce step by step :

To begin, make the mayonnaise. In a tall mixing glass, combine the egg yolk, a pinch of salt, pepper, and the filtered lemon juice. With an immersion blender running, slowly pour in the vegetable oil in a thin, steady stream until the mixture thickens and emulsifies.

After a few moments, the mayonnaise will reach a smooth, creamy consistency. Next, prepare the cocktail sauce by transferring the mayonnaise to a bowl. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and then the brandy, mixing well to combine .

Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Finish by adding a few drops of Tabasco, adjusting to your preferred level of heat. Your cocktail sauce is now ready to serve!

Tips

For the best flavor and texture, try making this classic cocktail sauce with homemade mayonnaise at least once. Just be sure your mayo is thick and well-emulsified—smooth, compact, and lump-free—for the perfect consistency.

This classic cocktail sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to any seafood dish. Making it with homemade mayonnaise elevates the taste and texture, giving you a fresh, zesty dip that’s ready in minutes. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this sauce will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious difference!

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Classic Cocktail Sauce


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  • Author: taylor
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Description

A tangy, zesty cocktail sauce made with homemade mayo, perfect for shrimp, oysters, and seafood. Quick, fresh, and full of flavor!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 egg yolk (room temp)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • ½ cup sunflower oil

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • 3 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp brandy

  • Tabasco, to taste


Instructions

Whisk egg yolk and lemon juice in a tall glass. Slowly drizzle in oil while blending until creamy mayo forms.

In a bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brandy.

Add Tabasco drops to taste and stir well. Chill before serving.

Notes

For best results, make sure mayo is smooth and thick.

Adjust Tabasco for preferred spice level.

Can be made ahead and stored in fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Protein: 1g

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