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Are you looking for an easy appetizer to impress your guests? Look no further! These Cocktail Shrimp made into shooters are delicious and fun to eat.
They turn a classic appetizer into cute, personalized snacks that are perfect for any party or get-together. Everyone loves cocktail shrimp!
I’m a HUGE fan of these shrimp shooters. They are simple to prepare and always a huge hit. Shrimp is one of those flavors that I can’t get enough of!
So for me, shrimp appetizers are always a good idea. The combination of homemade shrimp cocktail sauce and tender shrimp served in little shot glasses makes for a fancy yet easy appetizer.
Plus, they look so pretty lined up on a tray, it’s almost a shame to eat them. Almost! This shrimp dish gets devoured fast.
Are you hosting a holiday party? A summer barbecue? Just want to try something new? These Cocktail Shrimp Shooters are always a great idea.
Your friends and family will be impressed by this restaurant-quality shrimp cocktail that you made right in your own kitchen.
So let’s dive into why this recipe for cocktail shrimp works and how you can make it at home!
Some of our other favorite SHRIMP RECIPES we have on our site include: Easy Shrimp Boil with Butter Sauce, Perfect Classic Shrimp Cocktail Recipe, and Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp Recipe.
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE COCKTAIL SHRIMP:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
- WHAT SIZE SHRIMP SHOULD I USE?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Cocktail Shrimp Shooters
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can whip up this appetizer in no time.
- Perfect Presentation: Serving shrimp cocktail in shot glasses makes it fun and easy for guests to enjoy.
- Delicious Flavor: The homemade shrimp cocktail sauce adds a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with tender shrimp.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Cocktail shrimp (cooked, tail on)
- Ketchup
- Horseradish
- Fresh lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Pepper
- Salt
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional garnish)
HOW TO MAKE COCKTAIL SHRIMP:
- Combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt in a small bowl and mix until fully combined.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into 8 shot glasses. I use 8 2-ounce glasses, but if you have some a little smaller, that’s fine too. Be sure the sauce sits just under the top of the glass so that when you add the shrimp, it won’t spill over.
- Put two cocktail shrimp on the side of the shot glass (I lightly press the tip of the shrimp into about the middle or close to it, before letting it rest against the glass so it holds in place well).
- If desired, top each shot glass with minced fresh parsley, a sprig of parsley, or a lemon wedge.
- Serve immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Yes, you can make the cocktail sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
However, it’s best to assemble the shrimp shooters shortly before serving to keep the shrimp fresh and the presentation perfect.
WHAT SIZE SHRIMP SHOULD I USE?
It’s best to use large to jumbo shrimp for this recipe.
Larger shrimp not only look impressive but are also easier to hang on the side of the shot glasses.
Plus, your guests will appreciate the bigger, juicier bites!
ANY ADDITIONS?
Making your own homemade sauce is the way to go.
Then again, I always think homemade is best! Definitely better than the grocery store.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Add a pinch of Old Bay to the sauce for a classic shrimp flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Mix in some hot sauce to make a spicy cocktail sauce.
- Lime Juice: Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a different tang.
- Chili Sauce: Replace some ketchup with chili sauce for a richer taste.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest into the sauce for extra citrus flavor.
- Red Onion: Add finely diced red onion for a bit of crunch.
- Celery Salt: Sprinkle a little celery salt into the sauce.
- Avocado: Add a small slice of avocado on top for creaminess.
- Cucumber: Include a cube of cucumber for freshness.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Mix in diced fresh tomatoes for a chunky sauce.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Even if it’s your first time making this, feel free to change the recipe.
The best shrimp cocktail recipe is the one you make your own!
- Ketchup: Use chili sauce or tomato sauce with a bit of sugar.
- Horseradish: Substitute with wasabi or horseradish sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Use soy sauce or omit for dietary reasons.
- Parsley: Replace with cilantro or dill.
- Lemon Juice: Use bottled lemon juice or lime juice.
- Shrimp: Use cooked prawns or poached shrimp instead.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store any leftover cocktail sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Keep the cooked shrimp in a separate container or plastic bag and consume within 2-3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the cocktail sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Freezing the assembled shooters is not recommended as the texture of the shrimp may change.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use Jumbo Shrimp: Larger shrimp like jumbo or extra-large shrimp make a better presentation and are easier to handle.
- Cook Your Own Shrimp: For the best shrimp taste, cook fresh shrimp yourself. Boil them in a large pot with Old Bay seasoning and then cool them in an ice bath.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: Prepare your own homemade cocktail sauce in advance to save time on the day of your event.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the amount of horseradish or add hot sauce for a spicy cocktail sauce that suits your taste.
- Use Martini Glasses: For a fancy touch, serve the shrimp shooters in martini glasses instead of shot glasses.
- Keep It Cold: Place the assembled shooters on a tray over ice to keep them chilled during your party.
This Cocktail Shrimp is an easy appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
With a delicious homemade shrimp cocktail sauce and tender shrimp, they’re a tasty treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Give this recipe a try at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Cocktail Shrimp Shooters
Ingredients
- 1 Cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 16 large cocktail shrimp cooked, tail on
- fresh chopped parsley optional garnish
- lemon wedges optional garnish
Instructions
- Combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt in a small bowl and mix until fully combined.1 Cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Spoon the mixture evenly into 8 shot glasses. I use 8 2-ounce glasses, but if you have some a little smaller, that’s fine too. Be sure the sauce sits just under the top of the glass so that when you add the shrimp, it won’t spill over.
- Put two cocktail shrimp on the side of the shot glass (I lightly press the tip of the shrimp into about the middle or close to it, before letting it rest against the glass so it holds in place well).16 large cocktail shrimp
- If desired, top each shot glass with minced fresh parsley, a sprig of parsley, or a lemon wedge.fresh chopped parsley, lemon wedges
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Jumbo Shrimp: Larger shrimp like jumbo or extra-large shrimp make a better presentation and are easier to handle.
- Cook Your Own Shrimp: For the best shrimp taste, cook fresh shrimp yourself. Boil them in a large pot with Old Bay seasoning and then cool them in an ice bath.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: Prepare your own homemade cocktail sauce in advance to save time on the day of your event.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the amount of horseradish or add hot sauce for a spicy cocktail sauce that suits your taste.
- Use Martini Glasses: For a fancy touch, serve the shrimp shooters in martini glasses instead of shot glasses.
- Keep It Cold: Place the assembled shooters on a tray over ice to keep them chilled during your party.
Nutrition
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