Why Is MIGNONETTE With HORSERADISH, LEMON and TABASCO?
MIGNONETTE is being used in its food sense: a sharp sauce traditionally served with raw oysters. That is why it belongs with HORSERADISH, LEMON and TABASCO in OYSTER CONDIMENTS.
Published
The word also has a plant meaning, which is why it can look unrelated at first.
| Entry | Oyster-table role |
|---|---|
| HORSERADISH | pungent condiment |
| LEMON | juice or wedge added for acidity |
| MIGNONETTE | vinegar-based oyster sauce |
| TABASCO | hot-pepper sauce |
What is mignonette sauce?
Mignonette is a sauce commonly served with raw oysters. Traditional versions are built around vinegar, shallot and pepper, although exact recipes vary. This page explains the word in the puzzle; it is not a recipe page.
Why doesn’t the plant meaning matter here?
MIGNONETTE has more than one dictionary meaning. The September 28 group resolves the ambiguity: alongside HORSERADISH, LEMON and TABASCO, the sauce meaning is the relevant one.
Why does TABASCO not join CHIHUAHUA and DURANGO?
TABASCO can evoke a Mexican place name, but in this puzzle it is being read as the hot sauce used with oysters.
See why CHIHUAHUA, DURANGO and TABASCO split into different groups →
Evidence
Sources
- NYT Connections — September 28, 2026
- American Heritage Dictionary — Mignonette
- WordCheats — September 28 Connections