St Elmo's Cocktail Sauce Recipe
St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce Recipe delivers signature heat with fresh horseradish, ketchup, lemon juice, vinegar, and bold seasoning balance.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon or silicone spatula
- Microplane or fine grater (if using fresh horseradish)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup prepared white horseradish very strong
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice use sparingly
Instructions
Step 1: Start with the Ketchup
- Add the ketchup to a medium bowl. This forms the base of the sauce and gives it just enough sweetness to carry the heat.
Step 2: Add the Horseradish
- Stir in the horseradish slowly. This is where the magic happens. As soon as it hits the bowl, you’ll smell that sharp, sinus-clearing aroma. That’s how you know you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Season Carefully
- Add the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
- Taste it. Then pause. Let it sit on your tongue for a second. That heat builds.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensifies the horseradish heat.