Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Fresh, Fiery, and Perfectly Chilled

Thank you so much for stopping by. I’m thrilled to bring you a dish that’s been a summer favorite in my kitchen for years—Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or as it’s known in Mexico, Cóctel de Camarón. This chilled, flavor-packed dish is the kind of recipe that always finds its way to the center of the table, especially during warm weather, game days, or anytime we’re craving something vibrant and refreshing without the need to turn on the oven.

What Is Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a popular coastal dish in Mexico that features cooked shrimp mixed into a savory, spicy tomato-based broth. It’s sort of a delicious mashup between ceviche and gazpacho—but with cooked shrimp and a tangy-sweet sauce made with Clamato, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. The shrimp is combined with diced red onions, tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, and avocado, then served chilled with crispy tortilla chips or saltine crackers for scooping.

It’s fresh, flavorful, and a little fiery—but most importantly, it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this dish deserves a spot in your summer meal lineup:

No cooking required: This recipe uses pre-cooked shrimp, so there’s no need to turn on the stove or oven.

Vibrant and fresh: Between the citrusy lime juice, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy avocado, it’s loaded with fresh produce and bold flavor.

Perfect for hot days: Served chilled, it’s ideal when you want something refreshing that still feels hearty and satisfying.

Packed with protein and nutrients: Shrimp is low in fat and high in lean protein, and the dish includes a rainbow of vegetables.

Quick to prepare: You can have everything ready in 20 minutes and let the fridge do the rest.

Make-ahead friendly: In fact, the flavors get better with a little chilling time.

Customizable: Adjust the heat level, swap ingredients, or add extras like jalapeños or diced mango for your own twist.

What Does It Taste Like?

The flavor profile is bright, tangy, and savory with just the right amount of sweetness from the ketchup and a subtle brininess from the Clamato. The hot sauce gives it an optional kick that you can adjust to your spice preference. Every bite is layered—juicy shrimp, crisp cucumbers, pungent onions, and creamy avocado—and it all gets pulled together with the citrus and spice of the cocktail base. It’s a taste that screams summer by the sea.

Health Benefits of Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Besides being delicious, this dish comes with some fantastic health perks:

• High protein: Shrimp offers lean, high-quality protein without a lot of calories.
• Low in fat and carbs: The base is made from light tomato juice and vegetables, making it low-carb friendly.
• Rich in antioxidants: Lime juice, tomatoes, and cilantro all contribute immune-boosting nutrients.
• Hydrating: The tomato juice base and cucumbers offer hydration, perfect for staying refreshed during hot weather.
• Good source of omega-3s: Shrimp contains healthy fats that support brain and heart health.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing shrimp cocktail:

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped if large
• 1 cup Clamato juice (or tomato juice with a splash of Worcestershire or fish sauce)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, Valentina or Cholula work beautifully)
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ½ cup tomato, diced
• ½ cup cucumber, diced (peeled and seeded if you prefer)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced or sliced for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla chips or saltine crackers for serving

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• A large mixing bowl
• A sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk or mixing spoon
• Serving glasses or bowls (clear cups make it look extra pretty)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to tweak it based on what you have on hand:

• Swap out Clamato: If Clamato isn’t your thing, use tomato juice mixed with a little lime and fish sauce to replicate the savory tang.
• More spice? Dice a jalapeño or serrano pepper and stir it in for extra kick.
• No avocado? You can leave it out, or substitute with a spoonful of guacamole.
• Tomato alternatives: If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes (drained) work in a pinch.
• Add-ins: Some folks like to add diced mango, celery, or even a splash of orange juice for a fruity touch.
• Seafood variations: Add chopped crab meat or cooked octopus to make it more of a mixed seafood cocktail.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cocktail Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Clamato juice, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). This base is what gives the cocktail its bold, tangy, and spicy flavor. Taste the mixture and adjust the hot sauce and lime to suit your flavor preferences.

Step 2: Mix in the Shrimp and Vegetables

Add the chopped cooked shrimp, red onion, tomato, cucumber, and cilantro to the bowl. Gently fold everything together so the shrimp and veggies are evenly coated in the cocktail sauce.

Step 3: Season to Taste

Taste your mixture and adjust with salt, pepper, or a little more lime juice as needed. You want a nice balance of sweet, savory, acidic, and spicy flavors.

Step 4: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and ensures the cocktail is served refreshingly cold. For best results, you can make it a few hours in advance.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When ready to serve, spoon the shrimp cocktail into individual glasses or bowls. Garnish with diced or sliced avocado, and serve with a generous handful of tortilla chips or a few classic saltine crackers on the side. A sprinkle of extra cilantro or a wedge of lime on the rim makes it extra special.

What to Serve with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is perfect as a standalone appetizer, but it also pairs beautifully with light sides and snacks. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan: Crispy, cheesy zucchini fries that make a perfect crunchy companion.
• Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A touch of sweetness makes this a fun brunch pairing or party platter addition.
• Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls: For those who want to balance savory with indulgent, these rolls are a must-try treat after a light meal.
• Fresh tropical fruit like pineapple, mango, or watermelon slices.
• Micheladas, cold beer, or sparkling limeade for a drink pairing.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Cocktail

• Use high-quality cooked shrimp: Fresh or frozen is fine, just make sure it’s cooked and properly deveined.
• Chop ingredients uniformly: This ensures every bite is balanced and easy to scoop.
• Let it chill: The longer it sits (up to 24 hours), the more flavorful it becomes.
• Serve in clear cups or jars: The layers and colors are part of the visual appeal.
• Add avocado just before serving: To keep it from browning.

Storage Instructions

This shrimp cocktail is best enjoyed within 24 hours, but it can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop over time, but the avocado may begin to brown and the cucumbers can lose their crunch, so I recommend adding delicate ingredients like avocado right before serving. Avoid freezing as it will negatively affect the texture of both the shrimp and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw shrimp?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook it first. Boil it in salted water for about 2–3 minutes until opaque and pink, then drain and chill it before adding to the cocktail.

What if I don’t like Clamato?
You can substitute tomato juice and add a dash of Worcestershire or fish sauce for that savory punch. V8 also works well for a veggie-forward option.

Is this similar to ceviche?
While it’s similar in presentation, ceviche typically uses raw seafood that’s marinated in citrus juice to “cook” it. This cocktail uses already cooked shrimp, and the sauce includes tomato-based ingredients like ketchup and Clamato.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better when it has time to sit. Just wait to add the avocado until right before serving to keep it fresh.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to check the ingredients in your ketchup and hot sauce to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This is the kind of recipe that becomes a habit. It’s low-effort, packed with flavor, and works for any kind of casual gathering. From backyard barbecues to game day snacking, it delivers bright, summery flavor with hardly any prep—and it always disappears fast. I love how adaptable it is, whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping things light on a weeknight. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about scooping it up with a salty chip and getting a little of everything in one perfect bite.

More Summer-Perfect Recipes to Explore

If you loved this refreshing and satisfying shrimp cocktail, here are a few more recipes that play beautifully with bold flavors and seasonal ingredients:

• Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan: Crispy and golden without the oil—these are the ultimate crunchy side.
• Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Soft, sweet, and perfect as a breakfast-for-dinner treat or potluck dessert.
• Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls: Rich, chocolatey, and indulgent—great as a contrast to this light and tangy shrimp dish.

Share Your Creation

Have you made this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail? I would truly love to hear about it. Leave a review below or tag your creation on Pinterest so others can see your spin on the recipe. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, I’m always inspired by your creativity in the kitchen.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Serving size: approximately 1 cup
Calories: 160
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: Varies based on added salt and brand of juice used

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a starter for a gathering, or just an excuse to bring more color and flavor into your life, this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is it. Fresh, fiery, and perfectly chilled—it’s everything a summer dish should be. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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