French Cocktail Sauce

French Cocktail Sauce is a classic sauce usually used with shrimps. It is one of the rare, maybe even the only, French recipe where you will use ketchup. The ketchup added to the mayonnaise gives it a nice pinkish color.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Stocks & Sauces

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Cocktail Sauce

Servings: 1 cup

Calories: 93kcal

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Cognac or Whisky
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
A pinch of cayenne, to taste
Salt and freshly, to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl whisk together sauce ingredients until smooth. Sauce may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.

Video

Notes

Check out our Shrimp Avocado Cocktail Recipe to use your French cocktail sauce.
1 serving = 2 tbsp = 93 kcal

Cooking Tips for French Cocktail Sauce

Quality Ingredients Matter: Start with high-quality mayonnaise for a creamy base, as it significantly impacts the sauce’s flavor. Look for real mayonnaise made with eggs and oil, avoiding low-fat or light versions for the best taste and texture.
Customize Your Heat: The pinch of cayenne is adjustable according to your spice preference. If you enjoy a little heat, consider starting with a smaller amount and adding more until you reach your desired spice level.
Experiment with Flavor Additions: While the classic recipe is delicious as-is, feel free to add other flavors like minced garlic or fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) to give your sauce a personal touch.
Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Perfect Pairings: French cocktail sauce pairs wonderfully with shrimp, but it’s also excellent with crab, lobster, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables. Consider serving it alongside a seafood platter for an impressive presentation.
Storage Tips: This sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Stir before serving, as ingredients may settle.

Explore More Culinary Delights

For more delicious mayonnaise-based sauces and creative recipes, be sure to explore our extensive collection at Online Culinary School. Additionally, check out our YouTube channel for step-by-step tutorials that will elevate your culinary skills and inspire your cooking journey!