Spicy, bold, and bursting with flavor, St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce packs a punch with its blend of fresh horseradish, tangy ketchup, and zesty Worcestershire sauce. It’s the perfect fiery complement to seafood dishes, adding a kick that excites the palate.

I love making copycat recipes inspired by restaurants. The last 5 days, I tried Luby’s Tartar Sauce Recipe and it was delightful. Today, I decided to try St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce. Basically, I used simple ingredients like ketchup, freshly prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, and salt.

I can’t deny that this St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce Recipe is super spicy, but fear not! As mentioned in the recipe below, you can easily adjust the spiciness to suit your taste preferences.

I’m sure you’ll be a fan of this Copycat St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce. You can enjoy it with some classic shrimp cocktail, fresh oysters, or even as a zesty dip for crab cakes. It adds a fiery kick that elevates any seafood dish to new heights of flavor.

What is St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce?

St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment renowned for its intense heat, primarily derived from freshly prepared horseradish. Originating from the famous St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis.

This sauce combines ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, and salt to create a bold and zesty accompaniment perfect for seafood dishes like shrimp cocktails, oysters, and crab cakes. Its distinctive, fiery taste makes it a favorite among those who enjoy a robust and spicy kick in their sauces.

How to make St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1:

Mix the ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 2:

Taste the sauce and adjust the horseradish or hot sauce level if you prefer a spicier flavor.

Step 3:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4:

Serve chilled with shrimp or your favorite seafood. Enjoy the bold, spicy kick of this classic cocktail sauce!

Tips

• Adjust the amount of horseradish and hot sauce to suit your taste. Start with the recommended amounts and add more gradually if you like extra heat.

• Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. The fresh acidity brightens up the sauce and enhances the overall flavor.

• Choose a high-quality ketchup without too many added sugars or artificial ingredients. It serves as the base, so a good ketchup makes a big difference.

• Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need a pinch of salt, a dash of hot sauce, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to perfect the flavor.

How to use St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce

The best way that I enjoy St. Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce is with a classic shrimp cocktail and as a tangy garnish for oysters. Also, you can try it as a dipping sauce for crab cakes and as part of a seafood platter with lobster, crab legs, and clams. For more versatility, stir a spoonful into your Bloody Mary mix for a spicy twist on the classic cocktail.

How to store

To store St. Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce, transfer it to an airtight container immediately after preparation. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it can be kept fresh for up to two weeks. Always stir the sauce well before serving, as the ingredients may settle. For optimal flavor, allow the sauce to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using, so the flavors can meld together.

FAQ

What makes St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce unique?

St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce is known for its intense heat from freshly prepared horseradish, creating a bold and spicy flavor.

Can I adjust the heat level in the sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more or less horseradish and hot sauce to suit your taste.

How long does the cocktail sauce last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, it can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Is it possible to freeze St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Can I use jarred horseradish instead of fresh?

Yes, jarred horseradish can be used, but fresh horseradish will provide a stronger, more vibrant flavor.

Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a bit of fish sauce can be used as a substitute.

Conclusion

I like how St. Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce brings a bold, spicy kick to any seafood dish. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it’s easy to make and perfect for enhancing shrimp cocktails, oysters, crab cakes, and more.