Let’s accept that seafood is a healthy, super easy, and one of the most accessible foods to prepare. But remember, without mixed flavours, it may not meet the desired taste. This gives room for having some cocktail sauce in place to make it spicier and tangier.
The minute you have gone to the stores to buy seafood and thought of adding a condiment, you can never go wrong with a cocktail sauce. And the question is, how long does it take for the sauce to go bad? Or if I have a fridge, the other question that could arise is, “Does Cocktail Sauce need to be Refrigerated?”
All these questions bear an answer, which we will discuss in this article and ensure you get it right.
Table of Contents
What is Cocktail Sauce?
A cocktail sauce is a seafood sauce that is meant to enhance flavours in different types of seafood. If you enjoy seafood, it is undeniably right that this is the sauce for you because it makes seafood fun and acts as a catalyst for one’s appetite. It has been used in many countries for quite a long time and is mainly used as a condiment.
The sauce is a combination of a variety of other sauces such as ketchup, Tabasco, mayonnaise, or horseradish. For extra flavour, this mix is combined further with garlic and lemon juice, making all the difference.
It is best served with prawns. However, any shellfish still fits in the combination.
How Long Does Cocktail Sauce Last?
The cocktail sauce can last for a long, so long as storage is perfect. The ingredients used to prepare it usually have a long shelf life, and this gives the sauce the added advantage of taking long before it goes bad. To be precise, a cocktail sauce will last longer depending on storage. Always store it in a dark and cool place and ensure it’s tightly closed. This will eliminate any chances of air entering, which may cause it to go bad in a short time.
But in the same case, there are some conditions that one should always meet to extend its shelf life.
- Store at room temperature. This will take as long as one month before it goes bad when opened.
- To extend its shelf life, it’s recommended to have it refrigerated, which will take between 6-9 months.
| Cocktail Sauce | Stored in the Pantry | Stored in the Fridge |
| Unopened Cocktail Sauce | 1-3 months for good quality | No need for refrigeration |
| Opened Cocktail Sauce | 1 Month | 6 months |
| Homemade Cocktail Sauce | Refrigerate immediately | Two weeks maximum |
Also read: Does Caramel Sauce Need to Be Refrigerated? Does It Go Bad?
Does Cocktail Sauce Need to be Refrigerated?
One important thing that you should always think about is its quality. If you are careful, then refrigerating it is necessary, especially if the bottle is expected to take more than two weeks. This will extend its shelf life for close to 9 months.
Also, note that store the bottle facing upside down for the sauce to take longer and maintain the flavour.
Does Cocktail Sauce Go Bad?
Buying a cocktail sauce ensures that you will enjoy the seafood to the maximum. But then does it go bad?
The answer to this varies with several variations. The sauce can go up to two years for unopened bottles bought from the stores, but the use-by date is as indicated. But once opened, it can only last 1 month if kept in the pantry, while it takes one year in the freezer but nine months in the refrigerator.
Of most importance is to ensure that the sauce is not exposed to sunlight when opened to avoid shortening its shelf life.
How to Tell if Cocktail Sauce is Bad?
There are times when the cocktail sauce may turn into a gel-like thick liquid, which may bring suspicion that it has gone bad. This may not be the case. It is usually a natural reaction because of the ingredients, such as the horseradish roots, but the texture will return to normal when stirred well.
However, there are three-pointers to note if the cocktail goes bad. These are:
- Mould formation
- A bad taste
- An altered smell.
If you suspect any of these pointers, do not use them again to avoid contamination.
Also read: Does Hot Sauce Need To Be Refrigerated? Does It Go Bad?
Tips to Store Cocktail Sauce
The cocktail sauce needs to be stored appropriately to avoid going bad and prolong its shelf life. It is unnecessary to refrigerate it, whether open or unopened, but it will still help extend its lifespan if you opt to refrigerate it. Below are some tips to adhere to as you store the sauce and enjoy its freshness for a more extended period.
- Store in a dry and cool place; A pantry will do well in this case.
- Make sure the temperature is constant. Avoid any heated areas such as near the gas or constant off and on from the fridge.
- Do not change bottles to avoid penetration of air and possible contamination.
- Ensure the lid is tightly closed before storing the sauce for the next use.
Can You Freeze Cocktail Sauce?
Sure, you can freeze the cocktail sauce, whether bought or homemade. The ingredients used to make the sauce can last for quite a long time and are friendly to the freezer. So be sure you can freeze it for up to 6 months and enjoy its original taste.
Can You Get Sick from Old Cocktail Sauce?
Now, an old cocktail sauce will remain fit for consumption even after the sell-by date, but of importance is that one should ensure that storage is enhanced. Otherwise, one does not take chances to consume it if not sure of its storage conditions. Your health matters more than its use.
Also read: Does Cranberry Sauce Need To Be Refrigerated? Does It Go Bad?
What to Serve with Cocktail Sauce?
The cocktail sauce was developed in the 19th century in the United States. Initially, its major role was to act as a sauce for the seafood. However, it is known to accompany tons of meals that have blended all along over time. Amongst these include:
- Drizzling on avocado toast.
- One can dip mozzarella sticks.
- Make a mix of a meatloaf.
- Top dress for deep-fried mushrooms.
- Use as an eggroll dip.
Conclusion
We have sensitized to the storage of a cocktail sauce. But then, if the sauce has outgrown its sell-by date, say by two years, do not use it. It may not be suitable for consumption and would affect one’s health. Being safe is better at all times.