Cocktail sauce, also known as seafood sauce, is a savory sauce that is often served with shrimp. It can be served cold or room temperature, and is made with ketchup or chili sauce and horseradish. However, it is not a condiment that is used as frequently as ketchup. For this reason, a question that many people may wonder is: does cocktail sauce go bad?
Cocktail sauce can go bad, especially if not stored properly. An unopened bottle of cocktail sauce should be stored in a cool, dark place with the lid secured on tight. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator to maximize its shelf life. Cocktail sauce that has been continuously refrigerated will typically last about 6 to 9 months.
In this article, we will discuss whether cocktail sauce goes bad over time, as well as how to properly store cocktail sauce. We will also highlight a few alternatives to cocktail sauce. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Does Cocktail Sauce Go Bad Over Time?
If stored improperly, cocktail sauce can go bad over time just like most other foods. In order to maintain its quality and maximize its shelf life, make sure cocktail sauce is in its original bottle and the bottle is not damaged. Once opened, keep the lid tightly sealed. Cocktail sauce does not need to be refrigerated after opening, but doing so will maintain its quality for a longer period of time.
If you plan on using the entire contents of the bottle in a short period of time, the storage method will not make a big difference. However, that is not usually the case when it comes to cocktail sauce. Most people only need a small amount for their shrimp cocktail and then store the rest in the pantry or refrigerator. Therefore, it is best to store it in the refrigerator to maintain its quality for the longest amount of time. If it develops an abnormal odor or flavor, or if mold appears, it should not be consumed and discarded immediately.
How Can You Tell If Cocktail Sauce Has Gone Bad?
The best way to tell if cocktail sauce has gone bad is to smell and look at it. If the cocktail sauce has developed an abnormal odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should not be consumed and discarded immediately. If the cocktail sauce appears normal and does not show any signs of mold, try to remember how long ago it was purchased and how it has been stored. If the sauce has been properly stored in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator in the original bottle, the bottle was tightly sealed and not damaged, then it is most likely safe to consume.
Most bottles of cocktail sauce will come with a “best by” date, which is not to be confused with a “use by” date. That is not necessarily an expiration date. It simply means the quality of the cocktail sauce will stay the best until that date. But, it will most likely keep for much longer if stored properly.
How To Properly Store Cocktail Sauce?
Cocktail sauce does not need to be refrigerated before or after opening, but doing so will maintain its quality for a longer period of time. If you are unable or simply do not want to refrigerate your cocktail sauce, it should be stored in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly sealed. Unopened and properly stored cocktail sauce can last up to 18 months. Once opened, cocktail sauce typically lasts about 6 to 9 months. After that, the smell and appearance should be examined before consuming.
How To Store Cocktail Sauce
- Find a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat (i.e. the stove).
- Make sure there is a constant temperature. Do not store it next to the stove or dishwasher, and do not keep moving it from the pantry to the refrigerator. Pick one spot to store it and leave it there.
- Keep it in its original bottle to ensure there is no cross-contamination and make sure the bottle is not damaged.
- Once opened, make sure the lid is tightly sealed before storing it away for next time. If you misplace the lid or it does not seal tightly enough, cover the bottle in cling wrap.
Does Cocktail Sauce Go Bad After Opening?
Once opened, cocktail sauce can last about 6 months in the pantry and about 9 months in the refrigerator. In time, it may start to change color, odor or flavor, but it may still be safe to consume if stored properly. To fully experience the true flavor and quality of cocktail sauce, it is best to consume it by the “best by” date on the bottle and follow proper storage guidelines.
An unopened bottle of cocktail sauce can last as long as 18 months if stored properly. Once again, proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of cocktail sauce.
Can You Get Sick From Old Cocktail Sauce?
You can safely consume cocktail sauce that is past its “best by” date as long as there are no signs of spoilage such as an off odor, flavor or appearance. If you consume cocktail sauce that has gone bad, you run the risk of developing symptoms of food poisoning. Those symptoms include upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and fever. That is why it is important to trust your senses; if it appears abnormal, do not consume it and discard it immediately.
If you did consume old cocktail sauce and got sick, do not panic. The symptoms should go away on their own within 24-48 hours. Immediate or specific medical attention is rarely needed.
Alternatives To Cocktail Sauce
Cocktail sauce brings a unique flavor and kick to many seafood dishes. However, there are some alternatives that you can try instead that may offer a similar flavor profile. Those alternatives include:
Primal Kitchen Thousand Island Dressing & Marinade
If you are looking for that creamy, tart taste you love in traditional cocktail sauce without the spice, then you have to try this dressing. Made with avocado oil, this condiment is infused with monounsaturated fats and is free of soy, canola, sunflower and safflower oils. Best of all, it is safe for many different diets including paleo, whole30, and keto.
Brianna’s Real French Vinaigrette Dressing
It is no secret that the French know what they are doing in the kitchen. That is why this brand looked to them when they created this French Vinaigrette dressing. Carefully blending vinegar, oil and seasonings, this condiment is gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free. It is not only great on salads, but also on grilled meat, poultry and seafood.
Primal Kitchen Honey Mustard Vinaigrette & Marinade
This condiment is the perfect companion for so many different dishes. The sweet, savory flavor compliments everything from grilled chicken to salads and even seafood. No matter how you enjoy it, you are sure to love it.
Freddy’s Famous Fry Sauce
This crowd-pleaser is not just great on burgers and fries, but can also take your favorite seafood dish to the next level. Made with mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, pepper and paprika, this savory Utah staple is sure to bring a unique flavor to any recipe.
Louisiana Fish Fry Remoulade Sauce
This Louisiana-style remoulade sauce makes a great substitute for traditional cocktail sauce. It features a bright red color and an unapologetic kick. There are two versions of this sauce, one is mayonnaise-based and the other one is oil-based. No matter which one you choose, this sauce is sure to take your favorite seafood dish from good to great.
Pace Picante Sauce
This ready-to-eat salsa brings a real Southwest flavor to any dish. It has a bit of a kick much like traditional cocktail sauce. While you might be quick to reach for the tortilla chips, try this sauce with your favorite seafood instead. You would be surprised at how good of a pairing it is.
Related Questions
What Are The Ingredients And Nutrition Facts In Cocktail Sauce?
The standard ingredients in cocktail sauce are ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. The nutrition facts per 0.25 cup are: 75 calories, 0.6g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 17g carbs, 7g sugar, and 0.8g protein.
Is Cocktail Sauce Gluten-Free?
Cocktail sauce that is made the traditional way (ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice) would be considered gluten-free. The one thing you would need to be wary of is the Worcestershire sauce – the most popular brand is Lee & Perrins, which does not contain gluten, but generic sauces may, so be sure to read the label.
Is Cocktail Sauce Keto?
Cocktail sauce is not keto-friendly because it is very high in carbs. In fact, even a small serving of cocktail sauce has the power to kick you out of ketosis. So, if you follow the keto diet, you will want to avoid traditional cocktail sauce and try one of the alternatives instead.