18 Delicious Shrimp Cocktail Recipes to Impress Guests

Looking for the perfect shrimp cocktail recipe to impress your guests?
Here are 18 easy and flavor-packed shrimp cocktail ideas that will wow every time.

Shrimp cocktail is one of those classic appetizers that never goes out of style. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser.

I still remember the first time I made shrimp cocktail at home—it was easier than I expected and tasted even better than the restaurant version. The shrimp were plump and juicy, and the sauce had just the right amount of kick.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make perfect shrimp cocktail every time. Whether you like it traditional or with a Mexican twist, you’ll find a recipe that fits your taste.

You don’t need fancy tools or hours in the kitchen. Just a few simple ingredients, a little know-how, and you’ll be serving up a dish that looks and tastes amazing.

1. Shrimp Cocktail

This homemade shrimp cocktail bursts with flavor thanks to juicy jumbo shrimp boiled in aromatic spices and served with a zesty, spicy cocktail sauce. It’s simple to prepare and way better (and cheaper!) than the overpriced restaurant version.

Read the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

2. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful dish, combining tangy tomato sauce, crisp cucumbers, and meaty shrimp for a perfect summer appetizer. Serve it cold with fresh guacamole and enjoy a tasty, light meal that’s easy to prepare in advance.

Read the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

3. Chef John’s Shrimp Cocktail

Juicy shrimp are poached in a fragrant broth and then chilled to perfection, served with a zesty, homemade cocktail sauce that packs just the right punch. This classic appetizer is quick to prepare and makes any table feel just a little more fancy and festive.

Read the Recipe: Chef John’s Shrimp Cocktail

4. Plump and Tender Shrimp Cocktail

This recipe teaches you how to make plump, juicy shrimp by cooking them gently in a special broth with white wine and lemon juice. The shrimp soak up lots of flavor and stay tender, perfect for dipping in spicy cocktail sauce.

Read the Recipe: Plump and Tender Shrimp Cocktail

5. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail blends cooked shrimp with onion, cilantro, garlic, and creamy avocado, all bathed in a spicy, tangy tomato-clam juice mix. Chill it for a couple of hours and serve with tortilla chips for a refreshing, flavor-packed appetizer that’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Read the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

6. Shrimp Cocktail [www.thekitchn.com]

Make a fancy shrimp cocktail at home by poaching shell-on shrimp in aromatic water, chilling them, then serving with a zesty homemade sauce you can spice up your way. It’s quick, fun, and full of flavor—perfect for sharing or impressing your guests!

Read the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail [www.thekitchn.com]

7. Easy Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Boil shell-on shrimp in a lemony, salty, spiced water bath for just a few minutes, then chill them fast in an ice bath for that perfect firm, juicy bite. Once peeled and cooled, serve them up with zesty cocktail sauce and a lemon wedge for an appetizer that’s as easy as it is fancy!

Read the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

8. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail [pinchandswirl.com]

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic, mixing tender shrimp, ripe tomato, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and zesty cilantro in a spicy, tangy tomato broth. Instead of plain cocktail sauce, this bold, spoonable version is best served chilled with tortilla chips and plenty of fiesta vibes!

Read the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail [pinchandswirl.com]

9. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail [www.simplyrecipes.com]

This zesty Mexican shrimp cocktail is like a refreshing twist on a Bloody Mary—packed with juicy shrimp, crisp cucumbers, red onion, avocado, and a spicy tomato-lime sauce. It’s perfect for scooping up with chips, or digging in with a spoon like a chilled seafood gazpacho!

Read the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail [www.simplyrecipes.com]

10. Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Make plump, juicy shrimp the star of your next appetizer with this easy, restaurant-style shrimp cocktail that’s bursting with flavor and paired with a bold lemony-horseradish sauce. Choose high-quality jumbo shrimp, cook them to perfection, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet show-stopping seafood treat.

Read the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

11. How to Make a Zesty Shrimp Cocktail

Make a zesty shrimp cocktail at home by boiling high-quality, shell-on shrimp to lock in flavor and serving them chilled with a homemade, tangy cocktail sauce. Keep the tails on for easy dipping, and pair with a glass of chilled German Riesling for a festive touch!

Read the Recipe: How to Make a Zesty Shrimp Cocktail

12. Shrimp Cocktail [www.melskitchencafe.com]

This shrimp cocktail features succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp that are easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, flavored with lemon, thyme, and spices for a burst of fresh taste. The homemade cocktail sauce, made with ketchup, horseradish, and seasonings, is so delicious you’ll want to dip everything in it—truly a quick, flavorful appetizer that will impress everyone.

Read the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail [www.melskitchencafe.com]

13. Easy Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail just got easier—simmer shrimp in a fragrant broth of lemon, garlic, herbs, and spices for a few minutes, then chill and serve with your favorite cocktail sauce. It’s quick, make-ahead, and ready in 15 minutes—perfect for any party or craving!

Read the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Cocktail

14. Shrimp Cocktail [www.delish.com]

Whip up this classic shrimp cocktail in just under an hour using juicy shrimp simmered in a lemony, herbed broth, then chilled to perfection. Pair it with a zingy homemade cocktail sauce for a bright, easy appetizer that adds a touch of elegance to any celebration.

Read the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail [www.delish.com]

15. Classic Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

Make a quick, five-ingredient shrimp cocktail sauce in just 30 seconds using ketchup, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors is fantastic for impressing guests and pairs beautifully with any shrimp dish.

Read the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

16. Easy Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Horseradish Cocktail Sauce

This easy homemade shrimp cocktail features tender shrimp served with a delicious horseradish cocktail sauce made from ketchup, prepared horseradish, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any party or gathering that impresses guests with its fresh flavor and simple preparation.

Read the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Horseradish Cocktail Sauce

17. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail combines cooked shrimp with fresh tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, jalapeño, and cilantro in a zesty mix of ketchup, clam juice, lime juice, and hot sauce. Simply toss everything together, serve in a glass, and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for a bright, refreshing treat!

Read the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

18. Marine Delights: Shrimp Cocktail with Spice The Sea

Enjoy a fresh and flavorful shrimp cocktail by boiling shrimp with onion, bay leaf, and Spice The Sea by Nativo Spices for a rich taste. Assemble it on a bed of crisp lettuce, top with your favorite sauce (like cocktail, pink, or mayonnaise), and garnish with lemon or herbs for an irresistible seafood treat!

Read the Recipe: Marine Delights: Shrimp Cocktail with Spice The Sea