The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.

Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce?
- Why You’ll Love This St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- How to Make St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce
- What to Serve St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce With
- Top Tips for Perfecting St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce
- Storing and Reheating Tips
- Final Thoughts
- Health Benefits of St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce Ingredients
- Reindeer Noses Recipe From DelishDish
Introduction
If you love bold, spicy flavors, then you’re in for a treat! St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce is famous for its fiery kick and deliciously tangy taste that makes every seafood dish come alive. Whether you’re dipping shrimp, oysters, or crab legs, this sauce takes your seafood game to a whole new level.
The original St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce comes from the legendary St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, known for its incredibly strong horseradish-infused sauce that brings the heat. It’s the kind of sauce that clears your sinuses in the best way possible! But instead of making a trip to the restaurant, why not recreate this iconic sauce at home in just 5 easy steps?
This homemade version is not only quick to prepare but also budget-friendly. Plus, you can tweak the spice level to suit your taste! If you’ve enjoyed our Homemade Remoulade Sauce or Classic Tartar Sauce, you’ll love adding this recipe to your collection. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience that will leave your guests asking for more!
What is St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce?
Ever wondered why St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce has such a legendary reputation? It’s not just any cocktail sauce—it’s the holy grail of heat! Made famous by St. Elmo Steak House, this sauce has a cult following for one simple reason: it’s spicy enough to make grown men tear up (in the best way possible).
So, why is it called St Elmo’s? No, it’s not named after the 80s movie—it’s actually the name of the famous steakhouse in Indianapolis, where this sauce became famous. The key to its signature burn? Fresh horseradish that delivers a heat unlike any other. As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this sauce is guaranteed to impress!
Ready to test your spice tolerance? Let’s dive into the best homemade version of this legendary sauce!
Why You’ll Love This St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce Recipe
1. It’s Just Like the Original
Love the classic St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce but don’t want to break the bank? This homemade version gives you the same bold, sinus-clearing heat—without the restaurant price tag!
2. Budget-Friendly & Easy to Make
A bottle of the original sauce can be pricey, but making it at home costs just a few dollars. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up in minutes.
3. Customizable Heat Level
Not a fan of extreme heat? No problem! You can adjust the horseradish to find your perfect spice level. Love the burn? Add extra for that authentic St Elmo’s kick!
If you enjoy bold flavors, be sure to check out our Spicy Sriracha Mayo for another zesty favorite!
How to Make St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce
Quick Overview
This 5-minute recipe is simple, spicy, and satisfying. The secret is in the fresh horseradish, which gives the sauce its signature kick. You’ll only need a few basic ingredients, and the preparation couldn’t be easier!
Key Ingredients for St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons fresh horseradish (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
- Pinch of salt and black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
- Add the Heat: Stir in fresh horseradish, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more for extra spice.
- Season to Taste: Add a pinch of salt and black pepper, then mix well.
- Let It Rest: For best flavor, let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy! Serve with shrimp, crab, oysters, or any seafood favorite.
What to Serve St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce With
This spicy sauce pairs perfectly with:
- Chilled Shrimp Cocktail
- Oysters on the Half Shell
- Crab Legs or Lobster
- Fried Calamari
- Grilled Fish or Steak (for a zesty kick!)
Pair it with a cold beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the heat.
Top Tips for Perfecting St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce
Use Fresh Horseradish – Pre-packaged horseradish won’t deliver the same heat. Grate it fresh for the best punch!
Adjust the Spice Level – Love it extra spicy? Add more horseradish. Prefer it mild? Start with just a little and work your way up.
Let It Sit – Giving the sauce 10-15 minutes to rest allows the flavors to blend perfectly.
Double the Batch – This sauce disappears fast, so make extra and store it for later!
Storing and Reheating Tips
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as it may alter the texture of the horseradish.
How to Reheat
This sauce is served cold, so no reheating is necessary! Just give it a stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the best homemade St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce in just 5 easy steps! Now you can enjoy the iconic flavor without the restaurant price tag. Whether you’re hosting a seafood feast or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, this sauce is a must-try.

Health Benefits of St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce Ingredients
Ingredient | Health Benefits |
---|---|
Horseradish | Rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity, and aids digestion. |
Lemon Juice | High in vitamin C, supports hydration, and promotes heart health. |
Tomato Ketchup | Contains lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced heart disease risk. |
Worcestershire Sauce | Provides small amounts of B vitamins and improves digestion. |
Hot Sauce | Capsaicin in hot peppers may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. |
Black Pepper | Aids digestion and enhances nutrient absorption. |
Reindeer Noses Recipe From DelishDish
St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce Recipe: 5 Easy Steps
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes30
kcalA bold and spicy homemade cocktail sauce inspired by the famous St. Elmo Steak House. Perfect for shrimp, oysters, and seafood lovers who crave a fiery kick!
Ingredients
½ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons fresh horseradish (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon hot sauce
Pinch of salt and black pepper
Directions
- Mix the Base: In a bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
- Add the Heat: Stir in fresh horseradish, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more for extra spice.
- Season to Taste: Add a pinch of salt and black pepper, then mix well.
- Let It Rest: For best flavor, let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy! Serve with shrimp, crab, oysters, or any seafood favorite.
Notes
- Adjust horseradish to control spice level.
Best served chilled for enhanced flavor.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
FAQs: St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce Recipe
What makes St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce so spicy?
The key ingredient is fresh horseradish, which delivers a bold, sinus-clearing heat. The more horseradish you add, the spicier it gets!
Can I make St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of horseradish in the recipe. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your preferred heat level.
How long does homemade St Elmo’s Cocktail Sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days. Stir before serving for the best flavor.