The Big Mac became the McDonald's menu item associated with its signature special sauce.
The Big Mac was created by franchisee Jim Delligatti and introduced nationally in the late 1960s. Its layered construction included two beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a distinctive sauce served on a three-part bun.
McDonald's advertising helped turn the sauce into a major part of the Big Mac's identity. The product became more than a hamburger on the menu: it became a branded item with a recognizable name, visual structure, jingle, and flavor profile.
The sauce is commonly described by fans as “Big Mac sauce,” although recipes and ingredient descriptions have changed over time and vary by market. It should not be confused with ordinary mayonnaise or with the sauces used on other McDonald's sandwiches.