The simple pink sauce, or cocktail sauce, is a timeless classic in the vast range of sauces that enrich international cuisine. Its history dates back to the golden eras of gastronomy, and its charm persists through generations. This sauce, with its delicate pink color obtained from the balanced fusion of mayonnaise and ketchup, is famous for its versatility and its rich and enveloping flavor. Pink sauce is a beloved accompaniment worldwide, often appreciated for its ability to enhance the taste of seafood, salads, vegetables, and even finger foods. In some recipes, the ketchup is replaced with tomato paste: it will have a more savory and rustic flavor. Its creamy texture and perfect balance of sweetness and acidity make it ideal for adding a touch of vibrancy and flavor to a wide variety of dishes.
Homemade sauces have a distinct flavor, try these recipes too:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 63.15 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 10.26 (g) of which sugars 2.18 (g)
- Proteins 1.95 (g)
- Fat 1.25 (g) of which saturated 0.00 (g)of which unsaturated 0.00 (g)
- Fibers 1.12 (g)
- Sodium 93.94 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 48 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for pink sauce or cocktail sauce
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 drops Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cognac
Tools for preparing pink sauce
- Spoon
- Bowl
How to make pink sauce, or cocktail sauce
To prepare the pink sauce, put the mayonnaise in a bowl, add the ketchup, and then 4 drops of Worcestershire sauce.
Add the cognac and mix. In just a few minutes, the pink sauce is ready: now let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before using it. Seal the bowl or container tightly so the surface doesn’t dry out.
Preservation of pink sauce
You can store the cocktail sauce in the fridge for several days, in a tightly closed container or (if you have it) in special sauce bottles.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I omit or replace Worcestershire sauce?
I don’t recommend it, it’s precisely what gives the pink sauce its characteristic flavor.
Do other recipes also include mustard, is it necessary?
No, it’s not essential, but using it will result in a spicier pink sauce.
Can children eat it?
Yes, but I recommend omitting the cognac.
What can I use instead of cognac?
A good whiskey works too.
Can I make it more characteristic by adding spices?
Yes, you can add black or pink pepper.
How can I replace the ketchup?
You can use tomato paste in the same quantity.
