This Homemade Cocktail Sauce is tangy, just the right amount of spicy, and comes together in under 5 minutes. It's a bold and flavorful dipping sauce that's perfect for boiled shrimp or even as a zesty dip for your favorite white fish.
I've always kept cocktail sauce in the fridge, but once I realized how easy it was to make it from scratch, and adjust it to exactly to how we like it, I stopped buying the store bought version.
It reminds me of how much I loved making my own condiments like my Homemade Tartar Sauce, or even Easy Homemade Basil Pesto. You can save money and skip the added sugar by making this homemade version instead.
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Why You'll Love This Cocktail Sauce
Quick and simple: Just stir together a handful of ingredients - no cooking involved.
Easy to adjust: Make it spicier or sweeter, depending on your tastes.
Low carb and sugar free: Perfect for keto or anyone watching their sugar intake.
Key Ingredients
Sugar-Free Ketchup: Acts as the base for this sauce. Using sugar-free keeps it keto-friendly while still giving that thick, tomato-rich texture.
Prepared Horseradish: Adds the traditional bite cocktail sauce is known for. You can add more or less depending on how strong you like it.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the heat and sweet. Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a touch gives the sauce depth and savory richness.
Powdered Monkfruit (optional): Adds a little sweetness to mimic traditional cocktail sauces. Omit if your ketchup is already sweet enough.
Ingredient Substitutions
Wasabi or a mix of chili powder and hot sauce can be used in place of horseradish for a similar bite.
Use maple syrup for a natural sweetness instead of Monkfruit.
Try tomato paste with a splash of vinegar in place of ketchup.
Recipe Variations
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.
- Stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise to create a creamy cocktail dip.
- Swap the lemon juice for lime juice.
Top Tips
- Start small with the horseradish, then taste and add more if you like it spicier.
- This sauce is best when made at least 30 minutes in advance to let the flavors blend.
How to Store
Keep cocktail sauce in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 5-7 days. Stir before serving.
Serve with...
This sauce pairs perfectly with Boiled Shrimp, Air Fryer Fish Sticks or as a topping for burgers. Try it alongside Thousand Island Salad Dressing or Homemade Ranch Dressing for a full dipping sauce bar at your next party.
More Sauce Recipes
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Equipment
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Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon powdered sweetener optional
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and sweetener (if using).
- Stir to combine well. Store in the fridge for up to 10 days.
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