8 Shrimp Cocktails That Rival Your Favorite Restaurant

Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones estilo Mexicano) served in individual shot glasses with saltine crackers on the side
Photo: Allrecipes

Shrimp cocktail — no matter how you make it, there's something so gratifying about cooked shrimp served cold and with a spicy tomato sauce. When perfectly chilled, it always makes you feel like you've gone out for a special meal at your favorite restaurant. From an authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail to grilled shrimp served with a fiery cocktail sauce, we've compiled this collection of recipes that show you how to make shrimp cocktail that will rival the best restaurants in the country!

01 of 09

Spicy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

spicy mexican shrimp cocktail
mauigirl

Serve this spicy and vibrant tomato-shrimp cocktail in one large glass bowl if you are feeding a crowd, or spoon into individual martini glasses for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to balance the heat, and serve with tostadas or tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer.

02 of 09

Chef John's Shrimp Cocktail

shrimp cocktail in a glass coupe
Kim

See how to poach shrimp in a seafood flavored broth before they are arranged on a platter and served with a chilled, horseradish-spiked cocktail sauce in this restaurant-worthy recipe from Chef John. "This is the only way I will prepare shrimp cocktail from now on! " says home cook Ashley. "The shrimp were cooked perfectly and the sauce is the best ever! So good!"

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03 of 09

Original Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Original Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Baking Nana

Fresh shrimp and avocado are added to a chilled, spicy cocktail sauce made with ripe roma tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, lime, clam juice, hot peppers and garlic. Serve in a glass bowl with tortilla chips or crackers for a Mexican appetizer that will delight all your guests. "Just like on the beach in Mexico!" says tmartin. "I made it exactly as the recipe states and it is perfect!"

04 of 09

Cocktail Shrimp Salad

shrimp cocktail salad
Jackie

This saucy shrimp cocktail is packed with tomatoes, cucumber and other crunchy salad vegetables for a refreshing alfresco lunch. "For it to be authentic, place salad on tostadas and top off with diced avocado and a splash of bottled hot sauce for a true experience!" says recipe contributor COCINALATINA.

05 of 09

Cool Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Cool Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Soup Loving Nicole

Shrimp, cucumbers, avocados, red onion, jalapeno, and horseradish are added to a tomato-vegetable juice cocktail and spiced up with jalapeno and hot pepper sauce to create this seafood appetizer that's so refreshing when served cold on a hot summer day.

06 of 09

Grilled Shrimp Scampi Cocktail

Grilled Shrimp Scampi Cocktail
AcaCandy

Try this twist on the classic shrimp cocktail by marinating the shellfish in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper before cooking on a hot grill for succulent results. "I serve mine hanging from the edge of a HUGE martini glass with crushed ice in the center and a bowl of red cocktail sauce propped in the ice," says recipe contributor Heidi T.

07 of 09

Tejano Style Shrimp Cocktail

Tejano Style Shrimp Cocktail
Traci in Cali

This is a chunky, soup-like, shrimp cocktail made with cucumber, tomato, and green onion. It's perfectly seasoned with serrano chiles, vinegar, lime juice and fresh cilantro. "I rate this on how much was left in the bowl - NONE! ALL the shrimp lovers devoured it!" says Nancy Morris.

08 of 09

Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones estilo Mexicano)

Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones estilo Mexicano) served in individual shot glasses with saltine crackers on the side
Allrecipes

"I prepare this refreshing shrimp cocktail for my family a lot during the hot summer days," says recipe contributor Mexican Sweetheart. "The trick is to start with well-chilled shrimp, ketchup, and tomato juice cocktail so it can be ready after only chilling for 1 hour in the fridge. Enjoy!"

09 of 09

More Inspiration

Baked Coconut Shrimp recipe on a white plate
Allrecipes Magazine

Whether you want more shrimp appetizer recipes or entertaining ideas, we've got you covered!

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