I recently whipped up a batch of this Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe for a seafood dinner, and let me tell you, it completely transformed the meal.

There is something so satisfying about the sharp bite of fresh horseradish mixed with the tangy tomato base that store-bought bottles just can’t match.

It brought back memories of classic supper clubs where the shrimp cocktail was always the star of the show.

Making it from scratch was incredibly simple, and the flavor payoff was worth every second of the minimal effort involved. I am officially never going back to the pre-made stuff again.

Ingredients

Here are the specific components you will need to recreate this classic tangy sauce, along with why they matter.

1 cup mild chili sauce – This acts as the robust, savory foundation of the recipe, providing more depth and texture than plain ketchup alone.
1 cup ketchup – Use a high-quality brand here to balance the spice with sweetness and give the sauce its signature smooth consistency.
4 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed juice is non-negotiable as it brightens up the heavy flavors and cuts through the richness of fried seafood.
2 tbsp prepared horseradish – This provides the signature sinus-clearing heat; feel free to add a bit more if you like a serious kick.
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce – This adds that crucial savory “umami” background note that makes the sauce taste complex rather than just spicy.
4 dashes hot sauce – A few drops of your favorite vinegar-based hot sauce add a different layer of heat that hits the back of the palate.
1/2 tsp sea salt – A pinch of good sea salt ties all the flavors together and makes the tomato base pop.

Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe — Credit: Pinterest

Note: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings based on the ingredients quantity listed above.

Variations

Customizing this sauce is easy, and here are a few ways to tweak it to fit your dietary needs or flavor cravings.

Creamy Style: Whisk in two tablespoons of mayonnaise to create a smoother, richer sauce that works great as a spread for sandwiches.
Sugar-Free: Swap the ketchup and chili sauce for sugar-free alternatives or tomato paste seasoned with stevia to cut down on carbohydrates.
Extra Spicy: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or increase the horseradish amount for a sauce that really clears the sinuses.
Smoky Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke to give it a barbecue-style depth.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (Requires chilling time)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling)

Equipment You Need

Medium Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine all the ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Whisk or Spoon: Essential for ensuring the horseradish and spices are evenly distributed throughout the thick tomato base.
Airtight Jar or Container: Crucial for storing the sauce in the fridge to let the flavors meld properly.
Measuring Spoons/Cups: Precision is key to getting the balance of sour, sweet, and spicy just right.

How to Make Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe?

Creating this sauce is less about cooking and more about the art of balancing bold flavors. The process is incredibly straightforward, involving mostly measuring and mixing, but the real magic happens during the resting period. Allowing the ingredients to sit together lets the sharp horseradish mellow slightly and infuse the tomato base with its distinctive heat.

Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by placing your mild chili sauce and ketchup into your medium mixing bowl. These two ingredients form the body of the sauce, so mix them together first to ensure you have a consistent texture before adding the thinner liquids.

Add the Flavor Enhancers

Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir these liquids into the tomato mixture gently but thoroughly. You want to make sure the acidity is evenly distributed so every bite has that perfect tang.

Incorporate the Heat and Seasoning

Add the prepared horseradish and the sea salt to the bowl. Switch to a whisk or a fork for this step to break up any clumps of horseradish, ensuring that the heat is spread evenly throughout the sauce rather than concentrated in one spot.

Taste and Adjust

Dip a clean spoon into the mixture and give it a taste test. If you want more zip, add another dash of hot sauce; if it’s too tart, a pinch of sugar can help. This is the time to tweak the flavor profile to match your personal preference perfectly.

Chill and Serve

Transfer the finished sauce into an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to “marry” and develop the depth that Hoffman House sauce is known for.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I have learned a few tricks over the years to take this simple recipe from good to absolutely restaurant-quality.

I always drain the liquid from the jarred horseradish before measuring it, so it doesn’t water down the thick texture of my sauce.
I recommend using a glass or ceramic bowl for mixing because metal bowls can sometimes react with the acid in the lemon and tomatoes, creating a metallic taste.
I find that letting the sauce sit overnight instead of just one hour creates an even deeper flavor profile, so I try to make it a day in advance.
I prefer using fresh lemon juice rather than bottled concentrate because the bottled stuff can have a chemical aftertaste that ruins the fresh vibe.

How to Serve Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe?

This sauce is the traditional partner for chilled shrimp cocktail, served in a martini glass with a lemon wedge on the rim for a fancy presentation. It is also fantastic alongside fried calamari, crab cakes, or even raw oysters on the half shell. For a casual twist, try using it as a dipping sauce for french fries or onion rings, or dollop it onto a burger for a zesty kick.

Nutritional Information

Here is a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving to help you track your intake.

Calories: Approximately 50 kcal
Protein: 0.6g
Carbohydrates: 9.2g
Fat: 0.8g

Make Ahead and Storage

This sauce is actually one of those rare recipes that gets better with time, making it perfect for meal prep.

Storing in the Fridge

You can keep this sauce in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The acidity from the lemon and vinegar acts as a natural preservative, keeping it fresh.

Freezing Guidelines

I do not recommend freezing this sauce. Freezing tends to break the emulsion and can cause the horseradish to lose its signature punch and texture upon thawing.

Restoring and Reheating

This sauce is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it has been in the fridge for a while, give it a good stir before serving to mix back in any liquid that might have separated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this specific recipe deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box.

It is incredibly fast to make, requiring no cooking and only a few minutes of active preparation time.
The flavor is far superior to bottled versions, offering a freshness and zest that preservatives in store-bought sauces mask.
It is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a safe and crowd-pleasing option for guests with various dietary restrictions.
You have complete control over the spice level, allowing you to make it mild for kids or fiery for heat-seekers.