Creamy Whiskey Cocktail Sauce

This whiskey cocktail sauce is a creamy, sweet and lightly spiced dipping sauce for adding a burst of flavor to every bite. Quick and easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients, it’s delicious to drizzle over shrimp or other seafood, serving as a dip for veggies, or to complement any other finger food appetizers.

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Why you’ll love this recipe

I’ve always loved a homemade cocktail sauce with a touch of whiskey to drizzle over a shrimp cocktail. In Belgium and the Netherlands, it’s traditional to enjoy small North Sea shrimp served cold with a bit of this creamy sauce. However, this whisky cocktail sauce is equally delicious with any chilled seafood, makes a perfect dip for veggie sticks, and even adds a flavorful twist to fries or roasted potatoes.

The flavor is sweet and tangy, the texture is silky smooth and the pink color is very inviting to just start dipping.

Here’s what you’ll love about this cocktail sauce recipe:

• Quick and easy: It just takes a few minutes to prepare with a handful of pantry ingredients.
• It’s versatile: Perfect for chilled seafood, but just as delicious to serve with veggie sticks or other appetizers or to drizzle over French fries or roasted potatoes.
• Creamy and flavorful: The combination of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and ketchup creates a smooth, rich base that’s lightly spiced and slightly sweet.
• Easy to store: This cocktail sauce can be stored in the fridge and will last for up to a week making it perfect for meal prep.

Which ingredients to use

• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the sauce. Use a good-quality or homemade mayonnaise for the best flavor.
• Ketchup: Tomato sauce or ketchup adds sweetness and acidity.
• Yoghurt: Adding Greek yoghurt lightens the sauce and gives it a subtle tanginess. It also makes the texture even smoother and creamier without getting too heavy. Full fat yoghurt works best for richness but low fat options can be used for a lighter version.
• Whiskey: A dash of whiskey adds subtle, smoky, caramel notes, giving the sauce extra depth and complexity. It enriches the flavor without overpowering it. You can use any whiskey or bourbon you have on hand.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the creamy ingredients.
• Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance the flavors.
• Chili flakes: A sprinkle of chili flakes add a gentle heat and extra color. Use sparingly if you prefer a milder sauce or add sweet paprika powder instead.

How to make cocktail sauce

Note: All the exact quantities of the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

This whiskey cocktail sauce comes together so quick and easy. First stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup and yoghurt in a medium sized mixing bowl. When the sauce is well combined, add in the whiskey and lemon juice and stir again until a smooth consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste. That’s all.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with a sprinkle of chili flakes or paprika powder for some extra heat, if desired.

How to substitute whiskey

Traditional cocktail sauce in Belgium and the Netherlands is made with a dash of whiskey, which adds subtle smoky, caramel and warming notes. It enhances the other flavors without overpowering them and pairs especially well with seafood. If you don’t have whiskey or bourbon on hand, you can substitute with brandy, dark rum or Marsala wine for a similar depth of flavor.

For an alcohol-free version that still delivers complexity, try adding a few drops of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar. You can also add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika, tabasco or maple syrup to give a warm, slightly smoky note.

Ways to serve cocktail sauce

• Drizzle over seafood: If you are serving a shrimp cocktail or other cold seafood dishes, add a dolop of cocktail sauce for extra flavor. It also combines well with these grilled calamari rings or imitation crab salad.
• As a dipping sauce: Serve as a dipping sauce with veggie sticks like carrots, cucumber, endives or bell peppers.
• Serve with grilled food: Cocktail sauce is delicious with grilled potatoes, baked salmon or pan fried trout.

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment with rating below and share a picture with the hashtag #thetastychilli and tag me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.