Shrimp Cocktail

This easy Shrimp Cocktail pairs chilled cooked shrimp with a quick, zippy homemade cocktail sauce, served in individual shooters for the perfect make ahead party appetizer.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword shrimp cocktail

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 83kcal

Author Jason Decker

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