How long can cocktail sauce sit unrefrigerated?

Here's why:

* Spoilage Risk: Cocktail sauce contains ingredients like mayonnaise, which is a prime target for bacteria growth at room temperature. Leaving it unrefrigerated for even a few hours can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness.

* Quality Degradation: Even if it doesn't spoil, the flavor and texture of cocktail sauce will deteriorate quickly at room temperature. The mayonnaise will separate, and the overall taste will become less appealing.

Recommendation: Always keep cocktail sauce refrigerated. It's safe to leave it out for a short time (30 minutes or less) if needed, but it's best to return it to the refrigerator as soon as possible.