Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)
A refreshing, spicy seafood appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Bursting with fresh flavors – Lime, avocado, and crisp veggies
✅ Light yet satisfying – Great as an appetizer or light meal
✅ Customizable heat level – Adjust the spice to your taste
✅ No cooking required – Ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
*(Serves 4-6 as an appetizer)*
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) medium cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
½ cup clam juice (or shrimp broth)
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
For the Cocktail Sauce:
1 cup tomato-clam juice cocktail (e.g., Clamato)
½ cup ketchup
1-2 tbsp Mexican hot sauce (Valentina or Tapatío)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
Mix-Ins:
1 avocado, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup tomato, diced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded & minced (optional)
To Serve:
Tostadas, saltine crackers, or tortilla chips
Lime wedges
Extra hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw in cold water, then drain well.
Chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces (or leave whole if preferred).
2. Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Clamato
Ketchup
Hot sauce
Worcestershire
Cumin
Salt
3. Combine Everything
Add shrimp, avocado, onion, cucumber, tomato, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
Gently fold to coat everything in the sauce.
4. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve in martini glasses or bowls with tostadas and lime wedges.
Pro Tips
🔥 Spice Control: Start with 1 tbsp hot sauce, then add more to taste.
🦐 Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh shrimp tastes best, but frozen works in a pinch!
🥑 Avocado Hack: Add it just before serving to prevent browning.
Variations
🌶️ Spicy: Add extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne.
🍊 Fruity Twist: Include diced mango or pineapple.
🥒 Extra Crunch: Top with jicama or radish slices.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Serve in small cups with tortilla chips.
Main Dish: Spoon over tostadas or crispy tostada shells.
Party Style: Set up a DIY shrimp cocktail bar with toppings!
Why This Recipe Works
This Mexican-style shrimp cocktail is lighter than the American version, with a zingy, tomato-based broth instead of heavy mayo. The lime and hot sauce add brightness, while the avocado and cucumber give it a refreshing crunch.
Perfect for:
Summer parties 🎉
Holiday appetizers 🎄
Quick weeknight dinners 🌮
Want more Mexican-inspired recipes? Try these next:
Easy Ceviche
Street-Style Elote
Enjoy! Let me know how yours turns out in the comments! 😊